BBC show branded ‘completely unwatchable’ triggers complaint from epilepsy group
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A BBC reality show pitting rappers against each other has triggered a complaint from an epilepsy group over its flashy special effects. The Rap Game features ‘disorientating’ rapid sequences of flickering imagery and pattern changes to ramp up the talent contest.
![[The Rap Game UK s6,03-12-2024,Past & Pressure,5 - Past & Pressure,Only Zizou,Layyah,Haydog, BBC Social Presenter, Amani Steez, Cam Keddy, CBliminal, Subreezhy,Photographer must be credited,Naked,Tre Omari]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_235460014-0531.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The latest series of the show features many of the giants of the British urban music scene including hosts DJ Target and Krept and Konan. But the editing, which also includes an artist being cut out of the opening episode, has drawn concern from the Epilepsy Society.
No warnings are given on iPlayer about the special effects, with the BBC insisting that the series has passed the Harding test to detect problems for people at risk of photo-sensitive epileptic seizures. Nicola Swanborough, head of external affairs at the charity, said: ‘We have looked at The Rap Game and have submitted a complaint to the BBC to ask if the series has been put through the Harding test to check that it is suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
‘We have requested that they include a warning on the episodes on iPlayer that the series includes strobe images because even if the edit passes the test, the imagery and editing are disorientating.’. Flickering or intermittent images can cause problems for some viewers who have photosensitive epilepsy, according to Ofcom.
The communications watchdog expects broadcasters to ‘maintain a low level of risk in this regard.’. Mrs Swanborough explained: ‘These guidelines have been drawn up following consultation with leading medical opinion in this area with the aim of reducing the risk of exposure to potentially harmful stimuli.
