BBC receives 500 complaints over NYE fireworks paying tribute to Black Lives Matter
Broadcaster also received 289 complaints over Christmas episode of The Vicar of Dibley, in which Dawn French’s character took the knee
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.The BBC received 500 complaints over a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement during the New Years Eve fireworks in London.
Details of the complaints were contained in the latest fortnightly complaints report published by the broadcaster’s internal regulator, which logged 2,797 objections made against the BBC between 21 December and 3 January.
It noted 500 complainants were “unhappy the New Year Firework display referenced ‘Black Lives Matter’”.
The fireworks show, organised by City Hall and broadcast live on BBC One, featured a number of drones creating images of key themes and people of 2020. One of of the images depicted clenched fists synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said “our New Years Eve show just sent a loud, proud message to the world: London stands together against racism - tonight and always. #BlackLivesMatter”.
Other images featured in the show included Sir Captain Tom Moore, the NHS logo, and the words “you’re on mute” as a nod to the emergence of video conference as a key mode of communication during the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the festive period, the BBC also received 289 complaints over the Christmas episode of The Vicar of Dibley, in which Dawn French’s titular character took the knee and spoke of her preoccupation with the "horror show" of George Floyd’s death in America.
The broadcaster also received 1,712 complaints against an episode of The Andrew Marr Show in which the presenter interviewed Boris Johnson about the decision to keep schools about despite surging Covid infection rates. The complaints all claimed that the BBC and Mr Marr showed “bias against" the prime minister.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments