on July 31, 2024 at 14:17
July 31, 2024 at 13:51
Commentator Bob Ballard caused shock and outrage with a sexist remark – the broadcaster Eurosport responded promptly.
That was really out of place! Eurosport has fired the well-known English Olympic commentator Bob Ballard. The reason for the decision was a comment made by Ballard during a broadcast of one of the Olympic competitions in Paris, which shocked not only the viewers but also the sporting world. Many consider the statement to be a real scandal.
Sexist comment about female swimmers
During the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay final at the newly opened Aquatics Stadium, where the Australian team won gold, Ballard made a snide remark. As the event was delayed a little, he said: “Well, the women have just finished. You know how women are… they hang around and do their makeup.”
Co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds, herself a former British Olympic swimmer, immediately reacted with outrage, calling the statement “outrageous.” But instead of taking the criticism seriously, Ballard responded with laughter, which only made the situation worse.
Eurosport reacts immediately
The broadcaster’s reaction was not long in coming. In a statement on Sunday evening, Eurosport: “During a Eurosport“During last night’s broadcast, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment. For this reason, he has been removed from our commentator list with immediate effect.”
The decision to fire Ballard sends a message that sexism has no place in sport, either on or off the field. The broadcaster’s move clearly shows that those in charge are willing to enforce this.
The second commentator who stands out
Ballard himself, who previously worked for the British BBC and has already reported on numerous Olympic Games and World Championships, has not yet commented on the incident and the broadcaster’s decision. However, the public reaction is clear. Many are demanding an apology from the commentator.
However, the Briton is not the only one who has been suspended from his commentary job at the Olympic Games. Polish Olympic presenter Przemyslaw Babiarz is still refusing to leave Paris after his suspension.
Pole Babiarz does not leave the field
He caused a storm of indignation with his statements during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. When the singer Juliette Armanet performed the song “Imagine” by John Lennon, Babiarz said: “A world without heaven, nations and religions. This vision of peace that should apply to all people. Unfortunately, that is a vision of communism.”
The Polish broadcaster Polish Television reacted promptly and suspended Babiarz. But he is staying in Paris. Possibly also because 130 journalists and athletes demanded his reinstatement in a joint letter of complaint. The broadcaster, however, is standing firm.
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Sources used:
Bild.de: Because of sexist remarks during women’s swimming: Eurosport fires Olympic commentator
Sport1.de: Olympics: TV commentator fired for sexism
Sport1.de: Olympics: TV commentator fired for sexism
