A Children in Need campaign film from 2018 has been expunged from all BBC platforms following the revelation that it features a teenager, Axel Rudakubana, suspected of murdering three young girls in Southport. The accused was hired for the campaign promotion through a casting agency, according to reports. The withdrawn footage depicts Rudakubana stepping out of the Tardis, dressed similar to David Tennant – a former star of Doctor Who.
In a move dictated by respect for the victims, the BBC decided to withdraw the video from all their channels of broadcasting, confirmed a spokesperson. Rudakubana, in the video, who was 11 at that time, can be seen addressing the audience about the seasonal charity event, advising on how to contribute effectively.
A representative from BBC Children In Need expressed their profound condolences for all those touched by this dreadful case and affirmed the video’s removal from their platforms. The now 17-year-old accused from Banks, in Lancashire, was brought before Liverpool crown court recently, following a lift on reporting restrictions.
He has been charged with the brutal killings of Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9), Bebe King (6), and Elsie Dot Stancombe (7); the attempted killing of Leanne Lucas, a yoga instructor, businessman John Hayes and eight children, their identities being withheld for legal reasons; as well as possession of a lethal weapon. Rudakubana has been placed in youth detention and is scheduled for his next court appearance in October, as reported by The Guardian.