Entertainment
BBC Breakfast viewers call out Dan Walker for cutting off Ukrainian singer ranting ‘f**k you’ at Putin
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Dan Walker said he ‘had to apologise’ after Ukrainian musician Maria Burmaka swore live on BBC Breakfast, reassuring fans he ‘understood the depth of feeling’ from the guest.
Singer Burmaka appeared on the morning show from the heart of capital city Kyiv, which continues to be under threat from Russian forces.
In an act of defiance, she has been putting a speaker up to her window and singing the Ukrainian national anthem in Kyiv, and sung to viewers on the breakfast programme.
However, during a passionate speech condemning Russian President, Vladimir Putin, host Walker cut her off to apologise due to her particularly fiery language.
She gave a message to Putin, saying: ‘Maybe I will sing our national anthem again from this window and I want to say to Putin you’re a murderer, you’re an aggressor.
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
The guest strongly condemned Putin in the interview (Picture: BBC)
The host was sympathetic towards her strong language but had to cut in (Picture: BBC)
‘Ukraine has never been against Russia, many Russian singers and Russian sportsmen were in Kyiv.’
She added: “Like our soldiers say, f**k you.’
Dan quickly jumped in, saying: ‘Maria, I understand the depth of feeling but I have to apologise to our viewers.’
Moments later, he clarified his understanding for her language as she remained in the capital of Ukraine.
She put her hands to her mouth when she realised what had happened (Picture: BBC)
‘Just once again apologies for the language there, but I am sure if you are watching this morning you will certainly understand how strong Maria’s feelings are,’ he added.
Viewers watching at home were very much in support of Maria’s comments, and felt the presenter shouldn’t have had to interrupt like he did.
One shared: ‘Oh Dan Walker on #BBCBreakfast no need to apologise for Ukrainian singer’s language. She only said what we’re all thinking.’
‘Ukrainian guest dropping a casual “f**k you” on BBC breakfast and Dan Walker scrambling to cut her off is f***ing hilarious,’ someone else said.
Another wrote: ‘I can’t believe that Dan Walker cut off a Ukrainian lady because she said the ‘F’ word on BBC Breakfast & apologised to viewers. If people are upset about her language there is something wrong with them! This lady is in a war zone! Show some sensitivity Dan!!! @BBCBreakfast.’
‘I’ve just heard Dan Walker apologise for a brave and emotional Ukrainian using a common word of contempt against Putin. It’s in the dictionary, used in drama and films as “art” but it’s not OK to use when a person’s city and home is being bombed indiscriminately. BBC get real,’ added a viewer.
Some of those reacting reminded fans it was not the presenter’s decision over whether to apologise for the swearing, and is required due to Ofcom and BBC broadcasting protocol.
Later on, the presenter further addressed having to interrupt her comment, after the moment garnered much attention from viewers.
‘What a treat to talk to Maria Burmaka on #BBCBreakfast live from Kyiv this morning.
More: BBC
‘I had to apologise for the language at the end but that doesn’t mean you can’t empathise and understand the depth of feeling and I think 99% of people get that.
‘Thank you for all the messages,’ he said.
Metro.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.
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