The BBC has been forced to say sorry after a shocking blunder during their D-Day tribute broadcast left viewers gobsmacked.
Kirsty Young was at the helm of the poignant show, BBC D-Day 80: Tribute to the Fallen, which marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. As the programme kicked off, Young was introducing 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 began, the feed switched to a military band performance. Suddenly, an off-camera voice blurted out: “French a*******s.”
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The Beeb faced a barrage of criticism on social media following the incident. The corporation responded with a statement to the Mirror, saying: “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.”
(Image: BBC)
At the moment the offensive remark was made, Kirsty was joined by Anthea Goldsmith, daughter of D-Day legend Theodore Iondies, and historian James Holland, who both appeared taken aback.
The gaffe, highlighted by telly critic Scott Bryan on social media, has sparked outrage. Bryan tweeted: “Not sure what exactly happened here during the BBC’s D-Day coverage. Yep. You heard that right.”
Meanwhile, a stunned ex-Twitter user wrote: “I thought I misheard that.” Meanwhile, a third viewer tweeted: “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.”
(Image: BBC)
“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,” another added. And a fifth chimed in: “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.”
The Beeb rolled out a raft of special programmes to mark the occasion, with King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as Prince William, making appearances at various commemorative events. Their Majesties and the Prince of Wales were seen paying their respects at Southsea Common in Portsmouth, mingling with heroes from that fateful day.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
D-Day was a game-changer in WWII. On June 6, 1944, an epic force of 156,000 men, backed by 7,000 ships and landing crafts, plus a whopping 10,000 vehicles, stormed the beaches of France.
This massive push aimed to free Europe from Nazi clutches saw around 10,000 German and Allied soldiers pay the ultimate price. At the Portsmouth remembrance, the Prince of Wales expressed how “deeply honoured” he felt to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave veterans.
The future king expressed: “We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off. The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return. Today, we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe, those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success and those who waited for their safe return.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
