Dapper Laughs: Jenny Eclair, Katherine Ryan and Isy Suttie among 44 comedians to sign open letter against 'entirely sexist' ITV star The ITV comedian, real name Daniel O'Reilly, has come under fire for encouraging rape culture and normalising sexism, particularly in his controversial ITV2 series On The Pull. However, despite more than 53,000 people signing an online petition to see the show scrapped, ITV insists that O'Reilly's narratives are "firmly based on treating women with respect." "Comedy is subjective and we appreciate the content of the show might not be to everyone's taste," a spokesperson said. We regret that any of our viewers were offended. However, as with all our shows, the series content was carefully considered, complied and deemed suitable for broadcast. O'Reilly himself has apologised for any offence caused by his 'jokes'. "Some comedians push the boundaries in the name of entertainment," he said. Dapper Laughs has his own ITV dating show But both O'Reilly and ITV's responses have angered others in the comedy industry, who insist that most comedians "do not believe the harassment of women or misogyny dressed up as 'banter' is pushing any kind of boundary whatsoever." "[O'Reilly's apology] seems to be an attempt to shield himself from personal scrutiny, responsibility or recrimination by manufacturing for his readers a false sense that we as comedians are somehow all in this together," reads the letter from Rhys Thomas, Matt Roper and more. This whole escapade has shown, quite luridly, that misogyny still exists, that it still thrives and that we all have a responsibility to be vigilant and speak out whenever and wherever it rears its head. ITV has defended Dapper Laughs as 'respectful' The letter goes on to praise university students who have "stood up and continue to stand up against 'laddism'," as well as homeless charity Shelter who last week refused donations from Dapper Laughs on the grounds of "deep offence" caused by his jokes. This could be an incredible opportunity to sincerely think about and privately explore what true engagement with 50 per cent of Planet Earth's population could be like when they're not reduced to 'gash', 'pussy' or 'minge', it concludes. They are women. They are human beings. They are as amazing, banal, interesting and flawed as you. The door is always open to you should you ever wish to make an earnest attempt to understand that. Comedians who have signed the open letter (in alphabetical order) Will Andrews Frances Barber Sophie Black Jason Bradbury Johnny Candon Jenny Éclair Pippa Evans Jessica Fostekew Janey Godley Jamie Glassman Matt Holt Andrea Hubert Nadia Kamil Suzanna Kempner Luke Kempner Lee Kern Jenny Landreth Wendy Lee Grainne Maguire Mae Martine Lucy Montgomery Susan Murray Lucy Porter Jan Ravens Jo Romero Lizzie Roper Matt Roper Katherine Ryan Lou Sanders Doug Segal Lee Simpson Daniel Sloss Anne Smith Martin Soan Darren Strange Rachel Stubbings Jojo Sutherland Isy Suttie Nathaniel Tapley Rhys Thomas Hannah Warman Tony Way Arabella Weir Eleanor White