Nicola Sturgeon was warned using Janey Godley in Covid adverts carried 'some risk'

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Nicola Sturgeon was warned that using comedian Janey Godley to front a Covid information campaign carried "some risk".

Officials told the First Minister that Ms Godley "can be outspoken about a number of subject matters" and uses "profanities regularly" on social media.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The comedian's adverts were later dropped by the Scottish Government over "unacceptable" and offensive tweets.

Read More
Complaint over Tory MSP tweet labelling John Swinney 'devious' thrown out by Hol...
Nicola Sturgeon and comedian Janey GodleyNicola Sturgeon and comedian Janey Godley
Nicola Sturgeon and comedian Janey Godley

Ms Godley, 60, apologised for their "terrible, horrific undertones" and donated her £12,000 fee to charity.

Her adverts, which ran on TV and social media, were designed to encourage face coverings, testing and vaccination.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But documents published following a Freedom of Information request show ministers were warned her involvement carried risks.

A briefing note for Ms Sturgeon, health secretary Humza Yousaf and Deputy First Minister John Swinney, dated August 29, recommended pushing ahead “with a celebrity-led campaign using Janey Godley in a piece to camera execution”.

The note added: "Ms Godley is supportive of the Covid-19 safety behaviours and is compliant herself.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"She is available to participate next week and she carries an ‘no nonsense, straight-talking’ approach, which appeals to a wide range of people in Scotland, particularly those of a younger age group.

"Ministers should however be aware that Ms Godley can be outspoken about a number of subject matters, including Donald Trump, other political parties, women’s rights and topical stories.

"Ms Godley’s Twitter page carries profanities regularly, as does her social media content. So using Ms Godley does not come without some risk."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Scottish Government dropped her adverts just days later, on September 9, after past tweets came to light.

In a statement at the time, Ms Godley said: "There are tweets from my past social media that are horridly offensive. I believe in progress, not perfection, and I am far from perfect.

"People have every right to go through my social media and see what values I hold and to find hurtful phrases and statements is shocking. I am deeply sorry to everyone I offended.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Comedy is no excuse to use disgusting and hurtful words that affect people and I know many of you expected better of me. I apologise for every single word that upset people."

Last month, the comedian revealed she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.