Tina Fey's apology as 30 Rock episodes featuring blackface removed

Tina Fey and her 30 Rock co-creator Robert Carlock have called for the removal of four episodes of the comedy featuring characters in blackface make-up, apologising for the "pain they have caused."

In a letter obtained by Variety, Fey said the episodes were "best taken out of circulation" as "no comedy-loving kid needs to stumble on these tropes and be stung by their ugliness."

“As we strive to do the work and do better in regards to race in America, we believe that these episodes featuring actors in race-changing makeup are best taken out of circulation" she wrote, "I understand now that ‘intent’ is not a free pass for white people to use these images. I apologize for pain they have caused."

She also thanked NBC Universal for backing the decision.

The episodes include 'Believe In The Stars' (season 3) and 'Christmas Attack Zone' (season 5), where Jane Krakowski’s character Jenna appears in blackface, and 'Live from Studio 6H' (season 6), which sees Jon Hamm in blackface make-up as part of an Amos ‘n’ Andy parody.

Fey's call to remove the episodes follows apologies from other comedians for using blackface make-up in past sketches and shows.

Jimmy Fallon faced backlash after a 2000 clip of him in blackface on Saturday Night Live emerged, while Matt Lucas and David Walliams have expressed regret for playing "characters of other races" on their television comedy Little Britain.

BBC iPlayer and Netflix have dropped Little Britain from their streaming platforms.