Sky News bosses slammed over Kay Burley segment on racism in UK

Sky News bosses have been blasted over Kay Burley’s segment on racism in the UK.

The presenter interviewed authors Timi Sotire and Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff – who co-edited Black Joy – yesterday morning on their book, and also questioned them on whether they felt that ‘Britain is a racist country’.

‘It’s very unusual, if not impossible, to grow up in this country without being touched by racism if you are a Black person,’ the latter replied. 

‘That’s frankly our experience.’

Kay then asked if they were comfortable using the phrase ‘white supremacy’ relating to the UK, and said it was something that most people related to the ‘deep south and the US’.

The journalist shared a snippet of the interview on her Twitter page on Wednesday, but Charlie has now described the chat as a ‘mess’.

Quoting Kay’s tweet, she claimed that they were asked to put ‘ethnic’ fabric behind them for the video call.

She also said that the pronunciation of Timi’s name was ‘butchered’, and that a picture of Munya Chawawa was used in the introduction – but Metro.co.uk understands that the photo was not used in error, and was chosen as the comedian contributed to Black Joy.

Metro also understands that it was suggested that a ‘dynamic’ backdrop could be used to celebrate Black culture or Black Joy, which Charlie and Timi were booked to speak about, but Sky News did not request for ‘ethnic’ fabric to be hung in the background.

‘The whole thing was a mess,’ she penned. ‘1. They asked us to put “ethnic” fabric behind us for the Zoom. 2. They put up a picture of Munya when teasing the introduction of “the author”.

Kay Burley corrected her pronunciation of Timi’s name live on air (Picture: ITV)

‘3. They didn’t brief Kay on the pronunciation of Timi’s surname, which was butchered. 4. “Is Britain racist?”

‘We were expecting some “challenging” questions but this was very rogue and unrelated to the conversation we were having. 

‘A reminder on picking and choosing broadcast segments carefully.’

More: TV

A Sky News spokesperson shared a statement with Metro.co.uk, which read: ‘During Black History Month Sky News has focused on giving a platform to Black voices. 

‘This interview focused on the celebration of Black culture, whilst acknowledging the challenges faced by Black people in the UK today.’

Kay Burley has yet to speak out over Charlie’s tweet.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.