Images of a British comedy show, Harry and Paul, which aired on September 26, sparked strong protests for its humiliating portrayal of Filipino domestic helpers in Britain. The video (seen above) drew strong response from Filipinos across the globe and its online petition drew multitudes to sign.

Rep. Risa Hontiveros, a women’s rights activist, described the episode as “revolting and disgusting” and demanded an apology from its broadcasters.

“By making a horrible scene of exploitation an object of ridicule, the show trivializes an act of abuse commonly experienced by Filipina workers abroad.”

The producers of the show, Tiger Aspect Productions, has since hit back saying “Harry And Paul is a post-watershed comedy sketch series and as such tackles many situations in a comedic way,” and that “the sketch in question is so far beyond the realms of reality as to be absurd - and in no way is intended to demean or upset any viewer.”

Was the line of racism crossed?