BBC News aplogises for using Viola Davis photo with Beyonce headline during Grammys coverage
Broadcaster mistakenly showed a photo of Viola Davis alongside Beyoncé headline during Grammy coverage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BBC News has issued an apology after accidentally running a photo of Viola Davis alongside a headline about Beyoncé.
During the broadcaster’s Sunday (5 February) night live coverage of the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, they showed an old Golden Globe image of Davis behind a chyron, which read: “Beyoncé’s big night.”
Immediately following the error, numerous viewers responded on Twitter, with one sharing a screenshot of the moment with the caption: “Who’s gonna tell @BBCNews?”
“I’m guessing it’s a mistake but with all their resources BBC have zero excuse for this,” a second responded.
Acknowledging their blunder, BBC News tweeted an apology on Monday (6 February).
“We apologise for the mistake last night when our news channels briefly showed a photograph of Viola Davis from January’s Golden Globes alongside a headline about Beyoncé at yesterday’s Grammys,” they wrote.
“This fell below the BBC’s usual standards.”
That night, Beyoncé shattered records, becoming the most decorated artist in Grammy history, after she secured her fourth win for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album.
She currently sits at a total of 32 Grammys and counting, surpassing late conductor Georg Solti, who originally held the record at 31 wins.
Davis also broke the glass ceiling, achieving EGOT status with her first-ever Grammy win for her performance of the audiobook for her memoir Finding Me.
The How to Get Away with Murder star is only the third Black woman in history to earn the prestigious title.
Other highlights from the evening include Quavo’s tribute performance for his nephew Takeoff, who was killed last year.
Meanwhile, Dave Chappelle won Best Comedy Album for his Netflix comedy special, The Closer, despite it being heavily criticised for “transphobic” jokes.
Find the full list of Grammy winners here and the six biggest talking points, from Ben Affleck memes to Beyoncé’s record-breaking win here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments