BBC News presenter accidentally raises middle finger on live broadcast without realizing she is on air

 

A BBC News presenter has become an online sensation after a clip emerged of her unintentionally making a rude gesture to the camera while going live.

Maryam Moshiri, a 46-year-old mother of three and one of the channel’s principal presenters, was captured in the viral clip raising her eyebrows and gesturing offensively as she appeared on-screen just after the musical countdown concluded. It appeared she wasn’t aware that the cameras were already rolling.

Realizing she was live, Moshiri swiftly withdrew her hand and proceeded to deliver the latest headlines concerning former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a notably serious manner, announcing, “Live from London, this is BBC News.”

However, towards the conclusion of her delivery, she seemed to speak hesitantly, possibly embarrassed by her initial error when she mistakenly referred to the coronavirus as the “coronaverse” pandemic.

The mishap allegedly occurred during the global broadcast of BBC News at midday on Wednesday (December 6). As the UK channel was airing Prime Minister’s Questions, news updates were being presented from studios in London.

Subsequent to the incident, viewers have expressed differing opinions about the clip, sharing their reactions online. While some criticised the perceived lack of professionalism, others took a lighter approach, jokingly relating to similar experiences in their own work.

One user jestingly remarked, “When my job demands I stay late.” Another commented, “Presenter Maryam Moshiri epitomises BBC’s professionalism and integrity in action. This is what justifies your licence fee…”

A third individual quipped, “Seems like someone had to tackle work sans their morning coffee.” Meanwhile, a fourth person observed, “That’s amusing! She immediately regretted that choice.”

Nevertheless, this incident isn’t the inaugural instance of a BBC presenter gaining viral attention for inadvertently swearing on air. The broadcaster previously issued an apology following weatherman Tomasz Schafernaker’s similar gesture. Tomasz and former news presenter Simon McCoy were often praised for their engaging on-screen banter, much to the delight of viewers.

However, a noteworthy incident occurred between the two in 2010, when Tomasz playfully gestured with his raised middle finger towards the presenter just before a weather segment. Simon had teased viewers, promising a “100% accurate” weather forecast, prompting Tomasz to jestingly make the gesture off-camera.

Unaware that the camera had focused on him at that moment, Tomasz swiftly adjusted his pose before the camera shifted away. Simon then quipped to viewers, “Occasionally, there’s a slip-up, and that was it.” He later apologised to viewers for any offence caused, but the video continues to circulate online to this day.