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Comedian criticised over Welsh language ‘dyslexia’ and ‘stutter’ jibe

30 Jun 2019 1 minute read
Omid Djalili. Picture by David Shankbone. (CC BY 3.0)

A comedian has been strongly criticised after he suggested the Welsh language was difficult to read and pronounce for its speakers.

Omid Djalili said: “There are worse things than being Welsh, dyslexic and having a terrible stutter. But not many.”

He made the comment while posting a picture of the National Botanic Garden, or Gardd Fotaneg Genedlaethol in Welsh.

The offending tweet

Omid Djalili is an English stand-up comedian, actor, television producer, voice actor and writer. He was born to Iranian parents and his comedy has often focused on cultural differences.


He was strongly criticised on Twitter by a barrage of commentators.

“I bet you’ve had to put up with shit from morons your entire life because your name isn’t ‘English’ enough,” Leigh Jones said.

“Really disappointing to see you with the same attitude towards a language that isn’t English.”

Iws Evans added: “I imagine you may have experienced bigotry yourself Omid; therefore very disappointing for you to use bigotry for some likes and retweets. Well done you.”


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