BBC Reporter Apologizes for ‘Poorly Phrased Question’ About Jews, Palestinian Suffering

BBC reporter Tim Willcox was in France covering the Paris unity rally, and spoke with a Jewish French woman who spoke of how Jews are now being targeted. Willcox said, “Many critics though of Israel’s policy would suggest that the Palestinians suffer hugely at Jewish hands as well.”

That did not go over well on Twitter:

Blood has yet to be wiped off floor in kosher shop and presenter @BBCTimWillcox points finger at Jews. Obnoxious.
https://t.co/aqFF27yeBu

— Julie Lenarz (@MsIntervention) January 11, 2015

In which @BBCTimWillcox explains away French anti-Semitism. It's because of the Palestinians, of course! #doh https://t.co/v78pg8Qz1V

— Lahav Harkov (@LahavHarkov) January 11, 2015

If you are disgusted by @BBCTimWillcox comments, please complain: http://t.co/9YMOhHNcQ0 & write to @sajidjavid enquiries@culture.gsi.gov.uk

— Tal Ofer (@TalOfer) January 11, 2015

Outrageous behaviour by @BBCTimWillcox. Israel-obsessed? Anti-semitic? Or just plain idiotic? https://t.co/7wsM1vGZW2

— Jake Wallis Simons (@JakeWSimons) January 11, 2015

.@BBCTimWillcox I think you owe that Jewish lady you interviewed in #Paris an apology http://t.co/04OXu0tKYu #antisemitism

— CiF Watch (@CiFWatch) January 12, 2015

Retweet if you believe @BBCTimWillcox should be fired for making this anti-Semitic suggestion. http://t.co/zjEIgNEo28 pic.twitter.com/o2Y9yVxe9s

— I Support Israel (@isupportisrael_) January 12, 2015

After getting a lot of this on social media, Willcox apologized:

Really sorry for any offence caused by a poorly phrased question in a live interview in Paris yesterday – it was entirely unintentional

— Tim Willcox (@BBCTimWillcox) January 12, 2015

You can watch the video below, via the BBC:

[h/t WaPo]
[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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