London, Mar 20 : Pop star Michael Jackson, who is gearing up to make a phenomenal comeback, is angry with the BBC after two comedians mocked him by comparing his comeback act to IRA.

Comedians Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis, speaking days after three murders by IRA splinter groups, said both Jacko and the terrorists were "80s celebrities".

"I can't believe which 80s celebrities I want back less. Michael Jackson or the IRA," the Mirror quoted the comedians as saying on Radio 4's The Now Show.

The `Heal the World' hitmaker was left horrified when he heard about the joke.

"Michael was told about the comments and was appalled. It was a disgusting slur. To compare him to cold-blooded murderers is not funny, it is highly offensive," a source said.

Michael has complained to both AEG Live and the promoters who are behind his 50-night UK comeback.

However, the BBC website tried calming the entertainer.

"Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis discuss the return to Britain of undesirables, from Michael Jackson to the IRA," BBC website bosses said.

The BBC also received complaints from listeners about the comments on last Friday's show, broadcast six days after the Real IRA murdered two soldiers in Northern Ireland. (ANI)