'I'm Sorry!' BBC Anchor Apologizes After Showing Middle Finger On Live TV

A BBC news anchor, Maryam Moshiri, found herself in the midst of controversy after accidentally showing her middle finger on live television just before presenting the afternoon news.

The video of the incident swiftly went viral across social media platforms. In the clip, Moshiri can be seen making the gesture right as the broadcast was about to begin.

During the traditional BBC countdown nearing zero, the screen switched to Moshiri, who had an unusual expression, displaying the unexpected gesture while wearing a broad smile. Quickly realizing her gesture was caught on camera, she composed herself and initiated the broadcast with, "Live from London, this is BBC News." Moshiri then delved into the top story, covering "former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apology for the pain and loss endured in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic" in the weekly show "Prime Minister's Questions."

🚨#WATCH: As BBC News opens with anchor Maryam Moshiri was caught giving the middle finger live on the broadcast before transitioning to delivering the morning news pic.twitter.com/1l4tHccEM2

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 6, 2023

She explained it was a private joke intended for her team and expressed regret that the gesture had been captured. "It was not my intention for this to happen, and I apologize if it offended or upset anyone. I wasn't 'flipping the bird' at viewers or anyone in particular. It was a playful joke meant for a small group of my friends."

The video circulated widely on social media, prompting some users to question her professionalism. In response, the anchor clarified the incident in a post on X, previously Twitter, explaining that she was playfully counting down with her fingers while joking with her team.

"Hi everyone, just before the hour began, I was goofing around with the team in the control room. I was mimicking a countdown as the director signaled me from 10-0... including displaying the countdown with my fingers. Starting from ten fingers held up to one," the Chief Presenter detailed on X.

Hey everyone , yesterday just before the top of the hour I was joking around a bit with the team in the gallery.

I was pretending to count down as the director was counting me down from 10-0.. including the fingers to show the number. So from 10 fingers held up to one.

When…

— Maryam Moshiri (@BBCMaryam) December 7, 2023

Reiterating that it was a private jest meant only for her team, she expressed regret that the unintended gesture was captured. "I didn't intend for this to be seen, and I apologize if it caused offense. I wasn't directing the gesture at the audience or anyone specific. It was a lighthearted moment meant for a select few of my colleagues."