BBC News presenter Geeta Guru-Murthy found herself at the center of controversy last night following an incident during an interview with rapper DC3. The presenter was accused of making a ‘hissing’ sound after the young artist named Jesus Christ as his greatest hero.

In a segment featuring the 18-year-old musician, who recently received his first two MOBO award nominations, Guru-Murthy inquired about his role models. DC3, whose real name is Daniel Chenjerai, responded by listing Santan Dave, Kendrick Lamar, and notably, Jesus Christ.

At this point, Guru-Murthy reportedly made a noticeable intake of breath, which some interpreted as a ‘hissing’ noise. It remains uncertain whether this was a reaction to DC3’s mention of Jesus Christ or simply the presenter preparing to conclude the interview.

DC3, an emerging talent from Northampton with a strong Christian faith, is known for his music, which includes popular tracks like “I Know,” “No Disrespect,” and “DC3’s Prayer.” He has amassed a following of over one million on Instagram.

The rapper appeared on BBC News to discuss his nominations for two esteemed MOBO awards: Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act.

He was appearing on BBC News after being nominated for two prestigious MOBO awards, in the Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act categories.

DC3 then posted a brief clip on his social media accounts, writing: ‘JESUS CHRIST ON BBC NEWS’.

He later added: ‘Jesus is Lord. God is good and thank you all for the love.’

DC3, also known as Daniel Chenjerai, 18, from Northampton, was appearing on BBC News after being nominated for two MOBO awards

Newsreader Geeta Guru-Murthy (left) had asked DC3 who his heroes are when he mentioned Jesus Christ

While many of his followers praised DC3 for mentioning Jesus on air, some were less impressed by Ms Guru-Murthy’s reaction.

Several accused her of ‘hissing’ and alleged the BBC is ‘anti-Christian’.

One person said: ‘What was her big intake of breath for?’

A second added: ‘I’m not a religious dude, but why did she just suck the air in through her teeth when he said Jesus Christ?’ 

But some viewers saw the funny side and even poked fun at the BBC’s impartiality policy, with one writing: ‘Other profits [sic] and/or gods are available’.

The full MOBO nominations list was released on Thursday, with Olivia Dean and Little Simz leading the way with four each.

The 2026 event is set to take place on March 26 at Manchester’s Co op Live, marking the first time the ceremony has been held in the city as part of MOBO’s 30th anniversary.

Little Simz is nominated for Album of the Year (Lotus), Best Female Act, Best Hip Hop Act and Video of the Year for Flood.

Geeta Guru-Murthy previously issued an apology live on air in 2024 over comments about Nigel Farage

Farage had been speaking at a Reform UK event in Dover before Ms Guru-Murthy commented on his ‘customary inflammatory language’

Olivia Dean matches her with nominations for Album of the Year (The Art of Loving), Best Female Act, Best R’nB/Soul Act and Song of the Year for Man I Need.

Elsewhere rising R’nB artist kwn appears in Best Newcomer, Best Female Act, Best R’n’B/Soul Act and Song of the Year for Do What I Say.

Jim Legxacy completes the top group with nominations for Best Male Act, Best Newcomer, Song of the Year for 3X with Dave and Video of the Year for Father. 

DC3, kwn and Jim Legxacy will compete alongside the likes of Nia Smith, Skye Newman and EsDeeKid in the Best Newcomer category.

The Northampton rapper’s interview is not the first time Ms Guru-Murthy has been the target of viewers.

In 2024, she made an on-air apology for not meeting ‘the BBC’s editorial standards on impartiality’ over comments she made about Nigel Farage.

She had accused the politician of using ‘customary inflammatory language’ after a clip showing him speaking at a Reform UK event in Dover. 

Ms Guru-Murthy said: ‘Earlier today we heard live from Nigel Farage, speaking at that election event we just saw.

‘When we came away from his live speech, I used language to describe it which didn’t meet the BBC’s editorial standards on impartiality. I’d like to apologise to Mr Farage and viewers for this.’

Following the incident, Reform UK’s Lee Anderson called for the newsreader to be sacked, saying: ‘Shocking stuff here from the BBC. Time to scrap the licence and sack the lot of ’em.’

A BBC source suggested Ms Guru-Murthy was ‘simply taking a breath’ before concluding the interview.

A BBC spokesperson said: ‘This story is categorically untrue.’ 

DC3 was contacted for comment.