BBC says 'we sincerely apologise' and axe D-Day programme from iPlayer
The BBC has issued an apology after an offensive remark was heard during their D-Day commemorative broadcast.
Kirsty Young, who was among the presenters for the King and Queen's coronation last may, was at the helm of the special programme, BBC D-Day 80: Tribute to the Fallen, which marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. As the show began, Kirsty introduced a military band for the audience and mentioned support available for visually impaired viewers.
However, as the live coverage from the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux, France, commenced, the feed switched to a military band performance. It was then that an off-camera voice was heard uttering: "French a*******s."
Following backlash on social media, the BBC has now offered an apology and removed the programme from its online platform to be edited.
A statement released to the Mirror read: "We sincerely apologise for an inappropriate comment that was captured during live coverage of the D-Day at 80 events in Bayeux. The programme is being edited and is temporarily unavailable on BBC iPlayer."
At the moment the offensive remark was made, Kirsty was accompanied by Anthea Goldsmith, daughter of D-Day veteran Theodore Iondies, and historian James Holland, who appeared taken aback by the incident.
The footage, which has been shared extensively on social media by TV critic Scott Bryan, has drawn criticism. Bryan tweeted: "Not sure what exactly happened here during the BBC's D-Day coverage. Yep. You heard that right."
A social media user, previously known as One X, commented: "I thought I misheard that."
One miffed viewer exclaimed on social media: "Someone's getting fired @BBCNews, didn't cut the cameras fast enough on the D-Day 80th to save the guy who said 'a*******s' on camera."
"This sounds pretty clear to me. Whoever swore should be ashamed of themselves. The BBC should know better than this. It has spoiled a respectful and reflective event," voiced another disgruntled viewer.
Meanwhile, another watching from home queried: "Did anyone hear anything slightly unexpected when the camera wobbled on the BBC's D-Day 80 tribute just now? Have listened to it back and it sounds pretty clear to me.."
In celebration of the day, the BBC aired a distinct series of programmes involving King Charles and Queen Camilla, together with Prince William participating in several events. Their Majesties and the Prince attended an intimate gathering at Southsea Common in Portsmouth alongside those who were part of that iconic day.
It was confirmed that the King would be making his highly anticipated return to public duties by Buckingham Palace in a statement last month. It was said that engagements will be "adapted where necessary" for the King, whose medical time are "very encouraged" by his progress.
