Ben Ainslie caught calling commentator a ‘f****** w*****’ at America’s Cup
Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Britannia trail the New Zealand boat in the America’s Cup
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.Ben Ainslie unleashed a few swear words aimed at New Zealand commentator Stephen McIver, with the Briton’s team trailing 3-0 in the 37th America’s Cup.
After the conclusion of Ainslie’s post-race interview, the sailor was overheard calling McIver a “f****** w*****” off camera.
It was not clear what exactly prompted the outburst from Ainslie, but there has been some heated competition in the first-to-seven series.
McIvor was nearing the end of his interview with Ainslie when he asked him: “Still believe that you’re as close [to New Zealand] when it comes to performance? Because I get that feeling coming off your boat.”
Regardless of whether there was any slight intended, Ainslie appeared genuinely to feel that McIvor was questioning either his boat, or his crew’s belief.
“Maybe that’s the Kiwi commentator in you, mate” he replied. Then, as he got up, with his microphone still live, he was heard to mutter off camera: “F****** w*****.”
When asked if he knew the microphone was still on, Ainslie admitted it was: “Possible”,
“I just thought it was a bit of a stupid comment from the Kiwi commentator,” Ainslie added. “But I think it’s good for our team, you know? It’s good motivation.”
Before racing was abandoned on Sunday, New Zealand has extended their lead to 3-0 over Great Britain, with the Ineos Britannia team penalised in the third race of the series for failing to keep clear of Emirates Team New Zealand in the pre-start.
Ainslie’s team’s penalty meant they fell 75m behind New Zealand and gave the defending champions a significant early advantage.
The current America’s Cup is the first one with Britain competing since 1964, and the nation have never won in the 173 years of the competition.
New Zealand need a further four points to win a third successive title.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments