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Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest 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 most likely remember me from the films Paddington, Paddington 2 and Paddington in Peru. I also had a major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

In the first show, watched 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another segment by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative 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 response.