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BBC Wimbledon commentator was sacked for calling ice-skating champion Meagan Duhamel ‘that b**** from Canada’ when he thought his mic was off
- Simon Reed was one of 27 ‘match commentators’ hired by the corporation
- Presenter was dismissed from a previous job after insulting Meagan Duhamel
- He was presenting the World Figure Skating Championships with Nicky Slater
A BBC Wimbledon commentator was previously fired for calling an ice-skating champion ‘that b**** from Canada’, it has emerged.
Veteran broadcaster Simon Reed was one of 27 ‘match commentators’ hired by the corporation to cover the two-week tennis tournament for TV, radio and streaming services.
However, it has emerged that the former Eurosport presenter was dismissed from a previous commentating job after insulting Meagan Duhamel at the end of a broadcast, believing his microphone was switched off.
Veteran broadcaster Simon Reed was one of 27 ‘match commentators’ hired by the corporation to cover the two-week tennis tournament for TV, radio and streaming services
The 74-year-old was presenting the World Figure Skating Championships with Nicky Slater, a former British ice skater, in March on the YouTube live feed for the International Skating Union, when he made the remark.
After the comment, both presenters were heard laughing, oblivious to the fact that their conversation was being streamed online to the channel’s tens of thousands of viewers.
Mr Reed and Mr Slater were both immediately suspended by the ISU after the offensive comment, and were not allowed to resume their broadcasting duties.
The ISU said in a statement at the time: ‘We strongly condemn any statements of a discriminatory or prejudicial nature.’
However, it has emerged that the former Eurosport presenter was dismissed from a previous commentating job after insulting Meagan Duhamel at the end of a broadcast, believing his microphone was switched off
However, Ms Duhamel later said both presenters had personally apologised to her, which she accepted.
Last night, the BBC said in a statement: ‘Simon Reed apologised for his remarks at the time and the matter was resolved.’
A BBC source said that the incident relating to Ms Duhamel was known by the BBC when they hired Mr Reed, but felt it was ‘properly dealt with’ before he joined the Wimbledon team.
Last night, Mr Reed could not be reached for comment.
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