The BBC has apologised after a D-Day broadcast was interrupted by an offensive comment.

Broadcaster Kirsty Young anchored the special programme, BBC D-Day 80: Tribute to the Fallen, honouring the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. But as the programme got underway, Young introduced a military band for viewers at home while also explaining there was assistance for those with visual impairments.

But as the programme, live from Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeaux, France started, the cameras soon cut to a clip of a military band performing. But off camera, an unknown man could be heard saying: “French a*******s.” After being criticised on social media, the Beebs have now apologised.

In a statement shared with the Mirror, they said: “We sincerely apologise for an inappropriate comment that was captured during live coverage of the D-Day at 80 events in Bayeux. The programme is being edited and is temporarily unavailable on BBC iPlayer.” At the time of the vile comment, Kirsty was joined by Anthea Goldsmith, the daughter of D-Day hero Theodore Iondies, as well as historian James Holland who also looked shocked by the comment.

Kirsty Young was left stunned by the comment ( 

Image:
BBC)

The clip which has been widely circulated on social media by TV critic Scott Bryan was met with a negative response. Bryan penned: “Not sure what exactly happened here during the BBC’s D-Day coverage. Yep. You heard that right.” One X, formerly known as a Twitter user penned: “I thought I misheard that.”

Meanwhile a third commented: “Someone’s getting fired @BBCNews, didn’t cut the cameras fast enough on the D-Day 80th to save the guy who said ‘a*******s’ on camera.” “This sounds pretty clear to me. Whoever swore should be ashamed of themselves. The BBC should know better than this. It has spoiled a respectful and reflective event,” said another. While a fifth added: “Did anyone hear anything slightly unexpected when the camera wobbled on the BBC’s D-Day 80 tribute just now? Have listened to it back and it sounds pretty clear to me…”

The BBC aired a special series of programmes commemorating the day, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with Prince William attending various events. Their Majesties and the Prince of Wales attended an event at Southsea Common, Portsmouth alongside veterans from the historic day.

D-Day transformed World War II. On June 6, 1994, 156,000 men, 7,000 ships and landing crafts as well as 10,000 vehicles arrived in France. As nations attempted to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe, around 10,000 German and Allied men lost their lives. At the event in Portsmouth, the Prince of Wales stated he was “deeply honoured” to be alongside the veterans.

The heir to the throne said: “We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off. The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return. Today, we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe, those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success and those who waited for their safe return.”