Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile25 entries · Page 2 of 2
2020
BBC apologizes for footage error in Kobe Bryant coverage
Company response
The BBC apologized after mistakenly showing footage of LeBron James in one section of its coverage of Kobe Bryant's death. Viewers criticized the error online.
Company response
Apology — BBC
At the end of the bulletin, newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti apologised for the earlier on-screen error
Source excerpt
In the tribute broadcast as part of BBC News at Ten on the day of his death, some of the footage featured basketballer LeBron James, who recently surpassed Bryant's NBA record to become the third-highest scorer of all time.
In our coverage of the death of Kobe Bryant, in one section of the report, we mistakenly showed pictures of another basketball player, LeBron James. "We do apologise for the error."
At the end of the bulletin, newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti apologised for the earlier on-screen error saying: "In our coverage of the death of Kobe Bryant, in one section of the report, we mistakenly showed pictures of another basketball player, LeBron James.
2019
BBC apologises for outdated Remembrance Day footage
Company response
In a controversy noted on the BBC Brand Wiki, the BBC apologised after an out-of-date clip of Boris Johnson laying a wreath was played on BBC Breakfast. The broadcaster attributed the incident to a production mistake. The apology followed the broadcast of the outdated Remembrance Day footage.
The BBC apologised for playing an out-of-date clip of Boris Johnson laying a wreath on BBC Breakfast, attributing it to a production mistake.
Company response
Apology — BBC
The BBC has issued an apology for playing an out-of-date clip of Boris Johnson laying a wreath of poppies on BBC Breakfast, citing a "production mistake" as the cause.
Source excerpt
The BBC has issued an apology for playing an out-of-date clip of Boris Johnson laying a wreath of poppies on BBC Breakfast, citing a "production mistake" as the cause.
2019
BBC responds to criticism over a lyric in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special
Company response
In the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, a karaoke performance drew criticism from viewers over the use of a homophobic slur in its lyrics. In response to the criticism, the BBC stated that the song was popular and that its lyrics were well established with audiences. The broadcaster's response addressed the objections raised about the lyric while characterizing the song as widely known to viewers.
After viewers criticized the use of a homophobic slur in a karaoke performance in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, the BBC said the song was popular and its lyrics were well established with audiences.
Company response
Clarification — BBC
The BBC has also now responded in a statement that reads: “'Fairytale of New York’ is a very popular, much-loved Christmas song played widely throughout the festive season, and the lyrics are well established with the audience.”
Source excerpt
A number of viewers complained about the moment on social media, questioning why writers Jones and James Corden, and the BBC, had chosen to leave the lyric in knowing it was controversial.
The BBC has brushed off criticism over the use of the word “faggot” during a performance of “Fairytale of New York” in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special.
The BBC has also now responded in a statement that reads: “'Fairytale of New York’ is a very popular, much-loved Christmas song played widely throughout the festive season, and the lyrics are well established with the audience.”
2019
BBC apologizes to Bernardine Evaristo
Company response
The BBC apologized to Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo after a presenter referred to her as “another author” without saying her name. Evaristo said the description removed her name from history.
Company response
Apology — BBC
The BBC has apologised to Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo after it described this year’s award as being split between Margaret Atwood and ‘another author’.
Source excerpt
The BBC has apologised to Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo after it described this year’s award as being split between Margaret Atwood and ‘another author’.
How quickly and casually they have removed my name from history – the first black woman to win it.
2004
Hutton Inquiry and resignation of Greg Dyke
The Hutton Inquiry examined the circumstances surrounding the death of weapons expert David Kelly and BBC reporting about the British government's claims concerning Iraq's weapons capability. The inquiry criticised aspects of BBC governance and reporting, and Director-General Greg Dyke resigned.