Joe Lycett has issued an apology – well, more of an ‘apology’ – after he used pictures of fellow comedian James Acaster to sell tickets for his forthcoming shows at Wembley Arena.
Of course, it’s all a big joke, but it’s quite a funny one, so we’ll tell you about it anyway.
Posters bearing the face of Acaster, but advertising Lycett’s gigs in September 2022, started to appear around the London Underground network recently, much to the confusion of those who witnessed them.
One person wrote: "What’s this about? Anyone else see something wrong with this poster?"
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Another said: “My guess would be it's something to do with @joelycett got your back, maybe their [sic] doing a bit on false advertising?"
A third commented: "I cannot begin to describe how expensive those spots on the tube are.
“Assuming that is part of a London-wide campaign (a fair assumption methinks), that is a very costly mistake!"
Well, it wasn’t a mistake, and now Lycett has issued a tongue-in-cheek apology.
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On Twitter, he shared a statement that read: “Many of you have noticed posters for my 2022 tour More, More, More! How Do You Lycett? How Do You Lycett? which have a picture of James Acaster on them.
“I would like to publicly apologise to Mr Acaster and his team for this."
“The posters were an experiment to see if my face was a deterrent to the British public and if his face would sell more tickets for my show.
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“It is with great disappointment that I have discovered sales have shot up.
“Mr Acaster's legal team contacted my representatives and after talks we have agreed an out of court settlement.
“The terms of the settlement are as follows:
“1.1 I will post this apology publicly.
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“1.2 I will never again use James Acaster's image without his prior approval.
“1.3 I have agreed to not play Kettering on the tour.
“1.4 Within the apology post I will publish the correct tour poster which is attached.”
He then attached the ‘real’ poster, which this time appears to have a likeness of BBC presenter Clare Balding on it, rather than Lycett.
Still, fans of Lycett’s unique brand of comedy have been amused by the whole ruse, at least.
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One said: “Joe Lycett is the most meta person we have in the UK and I'm. Here. For. It.”
Another said: “Wait that isn't Joe?”
A third joked: “I thought you had less hair and now I can see you’re balding.”
Very good.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: TV and Film, Celebrity, Weird