Victoria Derbyshire apologises after Newsnight guest's jaw-dropping comment

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Victoria Derbyshire apologises after Newsnight guest
Victoria Derbyshire apologises after Newsnight guest's jaw-dropping comment

Victoria Derbyshire was forced to apologise after a guest on BBC Newsnight stunned viewers with an X-rated comment.

The 55-year-old journalist was hosting Thursday’s edition of the current affairs show, and was discussing the latest events in Russia, as the country’s supreme court outlawed LGBTQ+ activism, labelling it as “extremism”. The landmark ruling could lead to gay, lesbian, transgender or queer people in Russia receiving lengthy prison sentences if authorities deem them to be part of what the court called an “international LGBT public movement”.

Speaking to Nadya Tolokonnikova, a member of Russian feminist protest group Pussy Riot, Victoria openly debated the country’s stance on LGBTQA+ issues, as Russia also changed its constitution in 2020 to ban gay marriage. As their conversation via video link came to an end, Nadya asked if she could make one final point, as she reflected on her own time in a Russian prison and claimed she was in contact with incarcerated gay men.

READ MORE:BBC viewers call for Victoria Derbyshire to replace Laura Kuenssberg permanently after stepping in

Victoria Derbyshire apologises after Newsnight guest's jaw-dropping comment qhiquqikdiddzinvVictoria interviewed a member of the feminist protest group Pussy Riot (BBC)

“I guess the point of my long speech was that Russian people are not homophobic. I spent some time in Russian jail and I was communicating with Russian prisoners, male prisoners and for them, it's a funny thing that you can f*** another guy in the ass, but it's not a reason to hate them,” she stated.

Newsnight descends into chaos as guest's phone won't stop ringing live on airNewsnight descends into chaos as guest's phone won't stop ringing live on air

Unfazed by the crude comment, Victoria replied: “I'm so glad you made your point. If anyone's offended by the language, you know, I'm really sorry,” as Nadya laughed in the background. Viewers were gobsmacked by the interview, but praised Victoria for her professionalism, as she remained calm without belittling her guest.

Victoria Derbyshire apologises after Newsnight guest's jaw-dropping commentThe journalist apologised to viewers after the jaw-dropping comment (BBC)

“Jawdropping comment on Newsnight,” one wrote on X as they shared the clip. “@nadyariot says something I never thought I would ever hear on #Newsnight,” another added, while a third chimed in: “Best line EVER by Pussy Riot's Nadya Tolokonnikova.”

“The way Victoria Derbyshire ended her interview with the woman from ex Russian group Pussy Riot (Newsnight), has elevated her from being loved, to that of a Saint. In our Tory controlled BBC world, we need this woman to maintain our sanity,” one keen viewer wrote.

Meanwhile, one fan managed to grab Victoria’s attention, as they earned themselves a cheeky reply from the Newsnight host. “Victoria Derbyshire must be really regretting allowing the pussy riot lady to add one last point, ‘if a guy wants to f**k another guy up the a*s that’s fine’,” they wrote, as Victoria quipped: “je ne regrette rien.”

Emma Wilson

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