The British broadcaster have been met with growing backlash after they accused the BBC Breakfast presenter of breaching strict impartiality guidelines for suggesting Donald Trump is a racist.
- Sep 28, 2019
AceShowbiz - Stars including David Harewood and Lenny Henry have backed a BBC newsreader who was reprimanded for suggesting U.S. Donald Trump is a racist.
BBC "Breakfast"'s Naga Munchetty, a Londoner of Indian descent, was discussing Trump telling several U.S. congresswomen of colour to "go back" to the "crime-infested" places they came from with co-host Dan Walker back in July.
She was rapped by BBC chiefs for breaching their strict impartiality guidelines after saying that, when she had experienced similar remarks, they were "embedded in racism".
"Homeland" star David backed Naga on Twitter, writing of the clip: "Have watched this many times and find it very difficult to understand. Fully support @BBCNaga and hugely disappointed in the BBC."
Lenny, "Primary Colors" star Adrian Lester, and 42 other black arts and media figures from the U.K. have all put their names to an open letter demanding the decision to uphold the complaint be overturned, calling it "flawed, illegal and contrary to the spirit and purpose of public broadcasting".
They also demanded the BBC improve diversity among those overseeing their disciplinary processes.
President Trump's tweets sparked outrage on both sides of the Atlantic, with U.S. stars including Lizzo, Janelle Monae, and Chris Evans all expressing disgust at his online attack on Democrat politicians Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley.
