Speaking ill of the dead

from AntiSocial · host BBC Radio 4

The suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe - and the reaction to it - prompts a debate about what we should and shouldn't say about someone when they die. The former politician was celebrated by some, but pilloried by others for her lifestyle and political views. So is it ever OK to speak ill of the dead and, if so, when and in what way? Plus, we explore the origins of the phrase itself, and speak to an obituary writer about which details to include, and which to leave out.Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Annabel Deas, Mhairi MacKenzie and Simon Tulett Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 17, 2026

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Speaking ill of the dead

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