The BBC has issued an apology to those who were watching the special D-Day tribute programme last night after someone behind the camera could be heard using offensive language.
Presenter Kirsty Young was at the helm of the programme that honoured the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
As the programme got underway, Young introduced a military band for the viewers at home and explained there was assistance for those who had visual impairments, handing over to Petroc Trelawny for commentary.
Live from Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeaux, France, the band could be heard beginning to play but the cameras were still fixed inside the studio and heard an unknown voice exclaim: “French a*******s.”
The comment faced backlash on social media, with TV Critic Scott Bryan writing: “Not sure what exactly happened here during the BBC’s D-Day coverage. Yep. You heard that right.”
Replying to the moment, another X user said: “Didn’t catch that off-camera remark when I was watching live — I was more distracted by the awkward cut. It was one of several bits of misdirection, which (I’m sorry!) rather let down an otherwise well-produced and impressive broadcast.
An inappropriate comment was made behind the camera during the programme
BBC
“The illuminated headstones were very powerful.”
Another unsure watcher asked: “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.”
Now, the broadcaster has apologised for the comment made and told The Mirror: “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 time of the incident, Young was joined by Anthea Goldsmith, the daughter of D-Day hero Theodore Iondies, as well as historian James Holland who looked shocked by the comment.
The moment marred what was deemed a fitting show by many, as others defended the programme on social media: “What an astonishing programme on the eve of D-Day this evening. A fantastic, flawless production highlighting what the BBC does best. I dislike them often but not tonight. Chapeau!”
Another added: “Well done to the BBC for showing programmes about D Day shame on ITV and C4 and 5 for not showing anything. They take a lot of stick from the BBC but not for things like this.” (sic)
The anniversary commemorations began today, with King Charles III paying tribute to the “remarkable wartime generation” in his memorial speech.
King Charles gave a speech during the ceremony today
GETTY
He said: “80 years ago on D-Day, the 6th of June 1944, our nation – and those which stood alongside it – faced what my grandfather, King George VI, described as the supreme test.
“How fortunate we were, and the entire free world, that a generation of men and women in the United Kingdom and other allied nations did not flinch when the moment came to face that test.
“This vital start to the liberation of Europe was a vast allied effort. American, British, Canadian, French and Polish formations fought here in Normandy. Our gratitude is unfailing and our admiration eternal.”