Fiona Bruce apologises over Question Time comment as she admits 'I was wrong'

06 October 2023 , 12:54

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Fiona Bruce apologises over Question Time comment as she admits 'I was wrong'

Fiona Bruce said she 'was wrong' as she apologised for a comment she made on Question Time.

The 59-year-old former newsreader turned TV presenter, was in the middle of hosting the political discussion programme when she opened the floor to allow members of the audience to ask a question. However, it was when she was trying to direct the microphone handler to the audience member, she left viewers in shock as she said: "The guy there in the middle, the black guy in the middle, yes."

It didn't take long before viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their concern at Fiona's comment, which was soon edited out from its BBC iPlayer platform. "I totally understand why my words last night caused offence and I apologise," she apologised in a statement.

The remark was cut from the iPlayer platform (BBC)

"I have spoken to the audience member directly and explained that usually I can see and describe an item of clothing or otherwise to help sound engineers with a microphone find people in the audience.

"Last night that was not the case as my view was obscured. In the split second I had, the easiest thing to do would have been to ignore the audience member and move on, but I felt strongly that his voice should be heard. Nonetheless, I feel it was wrong to identify him as I did and that’s why it was removed from the later edited programme.”

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She apologised and said she 'was wrong' (twitter/@RGocan)

The BBC also released a statement, which read: "We regret the choice of words used to identify the audience member. The intent was to ensure his voice was heard, however, we recognise we should not have identified him in this way and apologise for any offence caused. As such the recorded version on iPlayer has been edited to remove this."

Question Time, broadcast live at 8pm, was later edited to remove the remark. It can no longer be found on the BBC iPlayer platform. Many noticed the edit and demanded answers from the broadcaster. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one penned: "Dear @BBCNews Why did you cut out Fiona Bruce saying "the black guy" in the BBC One showing of @bbcquestiontime last night?It was audible on the live showing on @BBCiPlayer. Why edit it if you think she said nothing wrong? #bbcqt #Wolverhampton #FionaBruce."

And another person said: "I am speechless. I seriously cannot believe that the presenter of Question Time just said this in 2023. I’ve complained to @Ofcom about this Fiona Bruce has now:– Made light of domestic abuse allegations “it was only one time”– Consistently demonstrated bias and shut down anti-Tory sentiment on the show– Picked out this gentleman based […]"

A third took to the social media platform to add: "Absolutely appalling! This is what we are reduced to with the language coming from our own Government!!!! Now BBCs highly paid presenter using such terrible and divisive language. Am amazed the guy could ask his question!!!!"

Zara Woodcock