Danish TV channel apologises after comedian secretly filmed for reality show
TV 2 has withdrawn a reality series after a comedian was tricked into believing he was directing a feature film.
A Danish television channel, TV 2, has withdrawn a reality show after comedian and actor Rasmus Wallbridge was secretly filmed for four months, according to a Hindustan Times report. Wallbridge was led to believe he was directing a feature film, but the production was actually a hidden-camera show titled Alle elsker Rasmus (Everyone Loves Rasmus).
The production involved 149 people, including celebrities and Wallbridge's friend, comedian Martin Larson. Hidden cameras were reportedly placed in objects such as coffee cups, USB drives, and a button on Larson's shirt to record Wallbridge's reactions.
The programme faced significant criticism from viewers and public figures after it aired in October. Denmark's Culture Minister Zenia Stampe condemned the show, stating it was a clear violation of TV 2's internal ethical guidelines regarding participants' rights to know the framework of recordings.
Television host Anna Lin criticised the programme on social media, suggesting it should be called 'Everyone Bullies Rasmus'. Wallbridge stated on Instagram that his manager and girlfriend were also unaware of the deception and believed they were making a film for Nordisk Film.
TV 2 has apologised for commissioning and broadcasting the programme and has removed the series from its platforms. Chief content officer Ulla Pors said the series should never have been made or broadcasted, and the broadcaster has launched an internal investigation into the project's approval.
Drive Studios CEO Kasper Fredshavn also apologised to Wallbridge, admitting the production went too far. Wallbridge said he has chosen not to pursue a subsequent film collaboration offered to him by Nordisk Film.