🔗 Share this article Legal Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Episode For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial. Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and rights holders that control the character's rights. Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions. He then changes to a generic South American accent before shouting: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You most likely remember me from the films Paddington, Paddington 2 and Paddington in Peru. I also had a starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos." At the end of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out. Historical Context of Comedy Program The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies. The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters. Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Platform Adaptation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative billionaire to go to Mars. "You are excessively genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share." He later says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The pair also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you." The bear begins another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Company Statements The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings. Avalon has been contacted for response.