Amazon’s Alexa bans The Pogues’ ­Fairytale Of New York over its ‘explicit lyrics’

AMAZON’S Alexa has banned The Pogues’ ­Fairytale Of New York for fear it may cause offence. Fans say their Echo and Dot devices refuse to play the Christmas hit due to “explicit lyrics”. The only way they can hear the 1987 classic, sung by Kirsty MacColl and Shane MacGowan, is by disabling the “profanity filter”. […]

AMAZON’S Alexa has banned The Pogues’ ­Fairytale Of New York for fear it may cause offence.

Fans say their Echo and Dot devices refuse to play the Christmas hit due to “explicit lyrics”.

Alamy

Festive fans suddenly found their Echo and Dot devices are refusing to play The Pogues’ ­Fairytale Of New York due its ‘explicit lyrics’[/caption]

The only way they can hear the 1987 classic, sung by Kirsty MacColl and Shane MacGowan, is by disabling the “profanity filter”.

It comes after BBC Radio 1 changed the word “f****t” to “haggard” and muted Shane singing “slut”.

One Pogues fan said: “Alexa was playing it fine one minute, then overnight decided it was offensive.

“I can play it by turning off the explicit lyrics filter I have for my kids.”

The hit is the most-played Christmas song of the 21st century.

But its lyrics are sparking controversy.

Alamy

Alexa owners can hear the 1987 classic, sung by Kirsty MacColl and Shane MacGowan, by disabling the ‘profanity filter’[/caption]

Radio 1 is refusing to play the original version.

Singer Nick Cave has accused Beeb bosses of “destroying” the hit.

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk