🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial. Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that control the intellectual property. Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show features segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions. He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You probably 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out. Historical Context of Satirical Show The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts produced by various media companies. The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters. Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Continued for two series before being cancelled again Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse suggested videos. In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The duo also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you." The bear starts another section 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings. Avalon has been reached out to for comment.