Source says Jackson wants BBC apology

LONDON, March 23 (UPI) -- U.S. pop star Michael Jackson wants the BBC to apologize for a comment tied to two of its comedians comparing him to the IRA, a source says.

The unidentified source said Jackson was insulted when comedians Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis compared the "Thriller" star to the Irish Republican Army on a BBC series, "The Now Show," The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

"Michael was told about the comments and was appalled," the source said about Friday's BBC Radio 4 show. "It was a disgusting slur.

"To compare him to cold-blooded murderers is not funny. It's highly offensive."

The on-air comment also prompted several listeners to complain to the BBC and in online forums, the Telegraph said.

"I can't believe which '80s celebrities I want back less, Michael Jackson or the IRA," one of the comedians said. It wasn't reported which of the comedians uttered the phrase that upset Jackson.

Jackson is in Britain as part of a comeback tour that includes 50 musical performances at London's O2 Arena.