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BBC apologises after pundit describes Ascot racegoers as 'war widows' as Army mourns Afghanistan dead
Last updated at 22:40pm on 19.06.08
The BBC has been forced to issue a public apology after its fashion expert described Royal Ascot race-goers as looking like 'war widows' on the day it was announced that four British servicemen had died in Afghanistan.
Pundit James Sherwood, a freelance style writer who has been employed by the broadcaster to comment on fashion issues throughout the five-day meet, made the 'offensive' comment during a live link on Wednesday.
Commenting on two women walking past dressed in black, he said waspishly: 'They look like war widows.'
James Sherwood compared Ascot goers to 'war widows' on the day it was revealed Sarah Bryant and three other British soldiers were killed
His remark prompted 18 complaints to the BBC from viewers, one of which who described it as 'utterly thoughtless and totally offensive'.
The outcry prompted Mr Sherwood to issue an apology, saying: 'I deeply regret the off-the-cuff remark made during a live broadcast. I would like to apologise for the offence this would have caused. It was far from my intention.'
Anchorwoman Clare Balding also made a vague reference to the incident at the start of the BBC's afternoon of live coverage yesterday - but notably failed to identify exactly what the problem was. She said the BBC apologised for any offense caused.
Mr Sherwood will continue to work for the channel, which will broadcast from the final two days of the meet.
Yesterday he put his foot in it again by describing female racegoers as 'heffers' to breakfast show weather presenter Carol Kirkwood .
Chided by a clearly shocked Miss Kirkwood, who told him : 'You can't say that', Mr Sherwood claimed he meant the BBC's decision to issue the most glamorous visitors to the course with rosettes made it seem like a 'cattle market'.
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Reader views (7)
My wife and I were very dispappointed and disgusted at the coverage of Royal Ascot. The chief culprit was James Sherwood who is arrogant, self opinionated and ill-mannered. Why not have Suzi Maxwell and Lisa Snowden for the 5 days. It was pathetic to watch James' very very 'camp' posing and hear his cutting remarks. Also is there any chance that Willie Carson might get something right? His tips are dreadful and as example in the middle of the week, when there was a large field, for a straight six-furlong race, Willie said ' the whole field will come across to join the low drawn horses, I guarantee it' and what happened they split into two groups. We think some big changes are needed.
- John Hopkins, Rafal, Alicnate, Spain
It's about time the BBC got rid of that awful James Sherwood. He does nothing but smirk and scoff at everyone around him. Who does he think he is??!! Ascot is for everyone - and everyone makes a huge effort and all he does is attempt to deflate and belittle those efforts!
BBC's coverage of Ascot is fantastic apart from having the smug one on our screens with his constant bitching and scathing looks - not a good word to say about anyone. Get rid of him once and for all - enough is enough!
- Blaine Wilsworth, Monks Risborough
Here we go again in 2009,Today James Sherwood is at it again.Not only were his comments towards some people a discrace,but his comments directed towards the enclosures and the class of people in them.A live show about Horse Racing,and fashion has a part to play.Class and comments do not play a part in the show directed at people indirect
Im sorry but if the BBC have any credibility,they will pull him up for a meeting,and rip up any contract there is in place.
He has had his chance,now that has to be removed.
I think His partner for the week,Suzi perry is not in favour of what has been said.Far from it
- Julian Pavey, london uk
james sherwood acts and speaks like he a cut above
who the hell does he think he is
he spoilt the coverage for me with his bitchy comments and acting like he was somehow superior to those around him
- Peter Harding, middlesbrough
My wife and I are absolutely disgusted at the bad manners of this so called fashion expert Jim Sherwood. He seems to be an expert on everything and we are sure he must be a complete embarrassment to the people that have to work with him.
Today it was beneath his dignity to leave the Royal Enclosure and mix with the ordinary people in the Silver Ring. His comments really are beyond contempt and we will be unhappy if the BBC employ him to be passing his very rude opinions at Royal Ascot next year.
He has thoroughly spoilt the racing for us and I suspect many more viewers.
We are pleased we did not have to be close to him on the track. At least we can switch off..
- Michael Barnett, West Mersea.Essex. England
I think this James Sherwood is one of the worst presenters I have seen at Ascot!!! . He presents himself like he is the best dress man at Ascot and I like others can see he is obviously not. Passing rude comments about womans outfits and their hats and fascinators.
Royal Ascot are for people to be daring elegant and to stay within the dress code. The way he presents himself and bluntly expresses his dislike for certain fashion is appalling.
THE PEOPLE ARE THERE WEARING WHAT THEY WEAR CAUSE THEY LIKE IT AND FEEL COMFORTABLE!! FOR HIM TO TURN AROUND AND SAY THE INSULTING THING IS AWFUL!! THE BBC SHOULD REALLY THINK ABOUT WHAT HE IS DOING TO THE SHOW
ITS NOT A REALITY SHOW!!!
There is alot od people who present themself accordingly to Royal Ascot with a lot of respect to others and James is certainly not doig this. Can you imagaine if you were to go there and say some of the things he says to complete strangers ......... its very dissapointing!!!!
Clean up your act PLEASE!!
- James, JAMES SHERWOOD
I thought the 'Heffers' remark very amusing and not at all politically incorrect;he is quite right to compare the handing out of rosettes as a cattle market.
- Nigel Taylor, uk
