A video clip capturing a BBC news anchor displaying a raised middle finger during a live broadcast circulated widely on social media, sparking a mix of laughter and concern over professionalism at the renowned media organization.
The video featured Maryam Moshiri, the chief presenter of the British broadcaster, presenting the noon-time headlines with an unexpected gesture. Moshiri was seen holding her middle finger towards the camera, accompanied by a playful expression. However, upon realizing the camera was live, she promptly transitioned into a traditional news anchor posture, stating, “Live from London, this is BBC News.”
This isn’t satire, an actual BBC News presenter got caught giving the middle finger live.
Maryam Moshiri summing up the professionalism currently at the BBC. pic.twitter.com/QoJ4FT133J
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) December 7, 2023
In response to the video’s viral spread, Moshiri issued an apology and clarified the context of the incident. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), she explained, “Yesterday just before the top of the hour, I was joking around a bit with the team in the gallery. I was pretending to count down as the director was counting me down from 10-0, including the fingers to show the number.”
Hey everyone , yesterday just before the top of the hour I was joking around a bit with the team in the gallery.
I was pretending to count down as the director was counting me down from 10-0.. including the fingers to show the number. So from 10 fingers held up to one.
When…
— Maryam Moshiri (@BBCMaryam) December 7, 2023
Moshiri continued, “When we got to 1, I turned my finger around as a joke and did not realize that this would be caught on camera. It was a private joke with the team, and I’m so sorry it went out on air! It was not my intention for this to happen, and I’m sorry if I offended or upset anyone. I wasn’t ‘flipping the bird’ at viewers or even a person really. It was a silly joke that was meant for a small number of my mates.”
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