Sky News compelled to apologise after reporter drops F-bomb on reside TV
A live report on the gathering cloud over David Walliams, abruptly dropped by his publisher over alleged inappropriate behaviour, sparked a separate scandal as a correspondent dropped an F-bomb
Arts and entertainment correspondent Katie Spencer accidentally delivered a classic moment of live TV on Sky News, apparently convinced her swearword would be edited out before her report was broadcast.
The reporter was covering recent allegations about David Walliams, the former Britain’s Got Talent judge who has been axed by the publisher of his children’s books amid allegations of “harassment”.
But when sharing the background to the controversy she first stumbled over her words then dropped an F-bomb, forcing the news anchor to issue a hurried apology. “Apologies if you heard any bad language there,” he said after an awkward silence.
Spencer was explaining how Walliams’ successful publishing career could now be at risk. HarperCollins UK announced on Friday (19 December) that it was breaking with the author of The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny following allegations of his inappropriate behaviour towards women.
The comedian and writer was “aware” of its decision, the publisher said. “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams.
“The author is aware of this decision,” a spokesperson said. However, Spencer’s report on Saturday (December 20) took a bizarre turn, potentially offending many viewers, as she looked back at Walliams’ history with the publisher, reports LADbible.
“He published his very first book with HarperCollins, The Boy In The Dress, in 2008,” she said. “He’s gone on to publish the further…” she continued before stumbling over her words.
“More than 14… Oh f**k it. I’m going to start again.” Apparently confident her words would be edited out, she added: “Sorry, do not ever air me saying the F-word.”
Nevertheless, the clip went live, prompting news anchor Kamali Melbourne to swiftly apologise. “Apologies if you heard any bad language there,” he said after an awkward silence.
Spencer was reporting on an investigation into allegations exposed by The Telegraph that Walliams “harassed” junior female employees at HarperCollins. The newspaper said the company launched a private investigation into the allegations last year and found that one woman reportedly received a five-figure settlement from HarperCollins before leaving the publisher.
A spokesperson for Walliams, 54, said in a statement: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions.
“David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.” LADbible Group said it has approached HarperCollins UK and Walliams’ representatives for further comment.
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