BBC Apologises For Offensive Off-Camera Comment During Live D-Day Commemoration

The BBC issued a public apology after an offensive off-camera comment disrupted live coverage of the 80th anniversary of the World War Two D-Day landings

During BBC D-Day 80: Tribute to the Fallen, host Kirsty Young introduced a military band performing at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux, France. As coverage transitioned an unidentified off-camera voice was heard saying: “French arseholes.” Young had just finished a conversation with panellists Anthea Goldsmith, daughter of D-Day hero Theodore Iondies and historian James Holland, who looked across to the host having caught the comment.

The comment, which was caught and circulated on social media by Guardian journalist Scott Bryan sparked outrage on social media and prompted an apology.

“We sincerely apologise for an inappropriate comment that was captured during live coverage of the D-Day at 80 events in Bayeux,” the BBC said in a statement to Radio Times. The programme has been temporarily removed from BBC iPlayer for editing.

The D-Day commemorations included appearances by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William, who honoured the veterans.

Watch above on BBC.