BBC apologises for 'inappropriate' question at Women's World Cup press conference
26.07.2023 - 06:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The BBC has apologised after one its reporters asked an 'inappropriate' question at a Women's World Cup press conference.
At the media briefing ahead of Morocco's first game against Germany in the competition, a reporter from the BBC's World Service asked Ghizlane Chebbak whether there were any gay players in her squad. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the north African country.
The captain, who appeared visibly uncomfortable, refused to answer the 'political question'. The reporter asked: "In Morocco, it’s illegal to have a gay relationship. Do you have any gay players in your squad and what’s life like for them in Morocco?”
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The press conference moderator interjected, saying: “Sorry, this is a very political question, so we’ll just stick to questions relating to football.”
“No, it’s not political,” the journalist replied. “It’s about people, it’s got nothing to do with politics. Please let her answer the question.”
Afterwards, a BBC spokesperson told CNN: "We recognise that the question was inappropriate. We had no intention to cause any harm or distress."
Sports journalist Shireen Ahmed, who was present at the conference, said the BBC reporter was 'completely out of line'. "Harm reduction matters and posing the question to the captain or coach was unnecessary," she tweeted.
"The question was waived off by a FIFA media officer moderating but it shouldn't have been asked."
She added: "Asking a player about her teammates and whether they are gay and how it affects them when you know it is not permissible is bizarre and out of line.
"The captain cannot out players or comment on policy [because] it could be dangerous for them, too."