If you thought the low point of Peppa Pig’s extensive career was being praised by Boris Johnson at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), think again.
Yes, Peppa Pig’s very own amusement park was endorsed by the elusive Prime Minister, as he branded it “my kind of place” – but it isn’t the only controversial moment that has surrounded the kids’ TV series.
The show is actually banned in several countries, where it has been accused of promoting a “gangster lifestyle”.
READ MORE: Outrageous kids TV moments – presenters 'stoned', Jimmy Savile spoof and sex scandals
There have been sexism rows, vaccine controversies and even accusations of brainwashing the very children Peppa is attempting to entertain.
First released way back in 2004, Peppa Pig is still going from strength to strength despite the difficulties it’s faced. Here are just a few.
Sexism row
Peppa got herself involved in a row centred around sexism in 2009, when the London Fire Brigade called out the piglet for using the word “firemen” instead of “firefighters”.
In the episode, the narrator explains: “Mummy Pig’s dressed as a fireman.”
Hitting out at the show on Twitter, the London-based service fumed: “Come on @peppapig, we’ve not been firemen for 30 years.
“You have a huge influence on kids and using out of date stereotypical gender specific wording prevents young girls from becoming firefighters. Join our #Firefightingsexism campaign.”
Some viewers, however, called out the tweet for taking things too far, as one fumed: “Nobody actually gives a s*** about things like this!” as another posted: “Virtue signalling, it’s a cartoon FFS!”
Gangster promotion
Peppa Pig remains popular in China – but it has also proved very difficult for the authorities to control.
Some TikTok users were accused of editing various Peppa clips to feature adult content, leading to more than 30,000 of these videos being removed from the platform.
In the clips, Peppa can be seen singing lewd rap songs or engaging in sexually suggestive behaviours.
Much of this content came from the shehuiren, a subculture using Peppa as a ‘mobster’ icon featured in various adult cartoons and tattoos.
These “society people” are accused by Chinese authorities of holding “anti-establishment views” and “gangster-like” attitudes.
According to The Global Times, that is “the antithesis of the young generation the Communist Party tries to cultivate”.
Banned in several countries
China isn’t the only country where Peppa has proved controversial.
Australian authorities banned the episode Mister Skinny Legs because one of the characters informs viewers: “Spiders can’t hurt you!” when the opposite is true down under.
Ireland banned the episode Gym Class, reportedly because Suzy’s gym clothes camouflaged with her body – making it look as though she was naked.
Another episode, Granny’s Pig Chickens, was banned from re-airing in several countries because Grandpa Pig says the word “stupid” – viewed as a curse word by some parents.
Dangerous driving
In early episodes of the toddler-based show, Peppa was often seen in the car without wearing a seatbelt, prompting a slew of complaints from worried parents.
One parent even said her daughter refused to wear a seatbelt while travelling in the car because Peppa did not.
Animation company Astley Baker Davies were forced to step in to confirm that they would reanimate the first series, introducing both toddler car seats and seatbelts to the world of Peppa.
Co-founder Mark Baker said: “We were very naive when we started making Peppa. If we could turn the clock back, we would, as everything Peppa does reflects a child’s real world.”
Peppa also dons a lifejacket when she gets onto a boat.
Brainwashing kids
Anti-vaxxers were left fuming when Peppa was first in line for her vaccination – just 10 days after the NHS began to vaccinate kids between the ages of 12 and 15.
In a book entitled Peppa Gets a Vaccination, a polar bear doctor asks Peppa: “Now it's time for your vaccination, do you know why we have vaccinations Peppa?"
Peppa replies: “Yes! They stop us from getting ill, and that helps people around us, too!” as the medic responds: “That's right. Sometimes vaccinations are given as a little spray in your nose and sometimes a tiny pinprick in your arm.”
Peppa is confirmed to be up to date with her vaccinations, as children are told: “A vaccination stops you getting ill.”
But reviewers of the book on Amazon were left fuming, as one penned: “Is this some sort of sick joke?!”
Someone else posted: “Leave our kids alone! Let kids be kids for goodness sake… stop brainwashing them!"
Another suggested: “Maybe one where Daddy pig has some adverse reactions or Grandpa pig dies alone in a care home slowly poisoned by Midazolam? How about teaching children that? Sick world we're living in.”
Bacon promotion
One cafe in Edinburgh was slammed for using an image of Peppa to sell bacon.
Yep, just let that one sink in for a second.
Gordon Street Coffee decorated its promotional chalkboard with a picture of Peppa’s face next to a plus sign and a piece of bread.
Underneath was a sketch of Ermintrude from The Magic Roundabout to promote a beef sandwich.
Members of the public and charity PETA stepped up to slam the outlet, fuming that kids could be traumatised after realising Peppa was meant as food.
A statement from PETA said: “Luring kids to meaty meals with cartoons of happy animals isn’t new, but it is dishonest.
“Kids naturally love animals, and would be horrified to see gentle pigs' throats slit for a sandwich.”
As one parent said: “Even if you are not vegan or vegetarian that could be really upsetting. My kids would be absolutely traumatised if they saw that sign, it's really not funny.”
Penis ice lollies
Aldi recently came under fire for its Peppa Pig ice creams, as shoppers became convinced the creators had added a certain male appendage to their mock-up of the piglet.
The pink lollies see a grinning Peppa wearing her trademark red shirt, and what looks suspiciously like a penis superimposed upon it.
Taking to Twitter to share his find, shopper Keith Bean said: “@AldiUK I was very happy to see these in your supermarket, but perhaps not as happy as Peppa is…."
The official Aldi account replied to tell him: “Keith that is an ARM!” – leaving fans in hysterics.
One joked: “Peppa Big!” as another questioned: “Is it though?”
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