
Ah, the kiss cam. That cute, time tested stunt seen at sporting events around the world to keep people entertained during slow moments between the action.
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It’s a lot less cute when you add homophobia into the mix, as TV presenter Paul Hand did while commentating on the women’s tennis singles quarterfinals of the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
“Let’s hope they don’t go on to two blokes sat next to each other,” Hand said, after encouraging straight couples to kiss.
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The BBC has issued an apology, saying, “The comment was ill-judged and we apologise to any of our viewers who were offended.”
And indeed, many were:
Dear @BBCSport, homophobic and Russophobic comments by Paul Hand are hurtful and mean.
— Marta (@MStolzova) August 9, 2016
Disgusting homophobia by @BBCSport's commentator Paul Hand during the Tennis. Indefensible.
— (((JP Kesseler))) (@jpkesseler) August 9, 2016
Wow!! @BBCSport I think someone needs a word with Paul Hand. Why shouldn't the camera have picked out two guys?!?! https://t.co/93k1Zgrx2G
— Gary Patrick Brown (@gpb1979) August 9, 2016
And this is what is wrong with some people in society. Sad. Paul Hand hang your head in shame https://t.co/Fk3sh31HmD
— Andy Bigh Hargreaves (@therealbig_h) August 9, 2016
Watch video of the “joke” below.
This year’s Olympic Games has a record number of out athletes, one of whom, Team Brazil’s Isadora Cerullo, got engaged to her girlfriend in Rio after her rugby match with Team Australia.
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Some of the athletes have been subjected to homophobic slurs from crowds, in particular members of the American women’s soccer team. Team USA includes several out lesbians. The head coach, Jill Ellis, is also a lesbian.
DCguy
Even worse is NBC’s “Erase the LGBTs” policy.
http://www.outsports.com/2016/8/10/12420708/nbc-sports-gay-problem?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000054
Brian
I wonder if the BBC and NBC are full of homophobic closet cases.
Ukin Blome
Well, I certainly have something to say to them!
Dave Downunder
They may apologise but it doesn’t change the fact that Paul Hand is a homophobe. Things said when when you are not filtering your thoughts reveal your true opinions.
Kieran
The BBC apologized. Now Paul Hand needs to apologize ON AIR for his homophobic gaffe. Totally unacceptable, particularly on the uber-liberal BBC.
Brian
The BBC needs to force Paul Hand to apologize in person. Yes, in person.
By the way, is Ryan Seacrest involved in NBC’s coverage? Ewwwwwww.
Sluggo2007
Paul Hand it a bit confused. After all, Queen Elizabeth looks like a man.
silveroracle
@Kieran: Totally agree.
Tobi
I have to wonder whether Paul Hand was actually being homophobic or just imagining two straight strangers who happened to be sitting next to each other…