BBC issues grovelling apology for mistaking Viola Davis for Beyoncé at Grammys

08 February 2023 , 10:43

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BBC issues grovelling apology for mistaking Viola Davis for Beyoncé at Grammys

The BBC has issued a grovelling apologised for accidentally showing a picture of Viola Davis while covering Beyoncé' s record-breaking Grammy win.

The Break My Soul hit-maker, 41, broke the record on Sunday night for the artist who has won the most Grammys after scooping a whopping four gongs on the night, making her overall number of Grammy awards total to 32.

Meanwhile Viola Davis, 57, achieved EGOT status - winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award - at the awards ceremony nabbing the gong for Best Audiobook for her autobiography, Finding Me.

While both women were honoured on the night, during the BBC's coverage of the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, the broadcaster showed an old image of Oscar-winning actress Ms Davis with the caption: 'Beyoncé's big night.'

Naturally, eagle-eyed viewers were quick to call out the mistake on social media as they criticised the BBC for the 'silly mistake'.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Beyonce won four awards on the night (AFP via Getty Images)

Viola nabbed the gong for Best Audiobook for her autobiography, Finding Me (Getty Images for The Recording A)

Elsewhere, others had accused the BBC of failing to tell the difference between the two incredibly successful black women.

“I’m guessing it’s a mistake but with all their resources BBC have zero excuse for this,” one social media user shared.

"This is such a silly mistake and could have been avoided at all costs," another echoed.

While a third pointed out: "Guys it’s a still image of a video. I actually think this is just a case where they ran the major headline across the televised coverage, basically the tagline isn’t changing regardless of who is on the screen throughout the segment."

Following the backlash, the BBC has accepted full responsibility for the mistake, admitting the error in an apologetic tweet, saying it 'fell below' their usual standards.

A BBC spokesman said: "We apologise for the mistake last night (Monday morning) when our news channels briefly showed a photograph of Viola Davis from January's Golden Globes alongside a headline about Beyoncé at yesterday's Grammys.

The BBC has accepted full responsibility for the mistake (The Hollywood Reporter via Getty)

Viola looked stunning on the night in a multi-coloured sequin gown (Variety via Getty Images)

"This fell below the BBC's usual standards."

The 65th Grammy Awards came with plenty of more drama, as singer Sam Smith was misgendered by a reporter on the red carpet before Harry Styles sparked debate with his humble 'working class' acceptance speech after winning the coveted award for Best Album Of The Year thanks to his smash-hit record, Harry's House.

Susan Knox