Sima Kotecha, an Indian reporter for BBC, canceled her live report after a man racially abused her before their air time.
The incident occurred on Sunday at Leicester city center. Kotecha was preparing her guests to comment on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address regarding the gradual easing of the COVID-19 lockdown, according to NDTV.
Coming to you live from #Leicester after 7pm with reaction to PM’s speech on @BBCOne .. pic.twitter.com/ssK5RD1TEe
— Sima Kotecha (@sima_kotecha) May 10, 2020
However, before they could go live on national television, a man shouted “terrible things” to Kotecha so they had to cancel the report, she informed her followers on Twitter.
Apologies – but man shouting terrible things at me has ruined it for everyone. I’m afraid not going to make it on the special programme
— Sima Kotecha (@sima_kotecha) May 10, 2020
Apologies to our guests who we had to send home without putting on air after myself and team were subjected to racist and abusive behaviour – sad obstruction of reporting of a national crisis. Yes I’m furious
— Sima Kotecha (@sima_kotecha) May 10, 2020
BBC also posted a statement regarding the incident on its Twitter page, saying, “While preparing to broadcast, our reporter, her production team and guests were subjected to racist and abusive behaviour. We are appalled by what happened and will be reporting the incident to the police. We will not tolerate racism or abuse of our staff.”
While preparing to broadcast, our reporter, her production team and guests were subjected to racist and abusive behaviour. We are appalled by what happened and will be reporting the incident to the police. We will not tolerate racism or abuse of our staff. https://t.co/f8wibeuCZz
— BBC News Press Team (@BBCNewsPR) May 10, 2020
A day after reporting the incident to the Leicestershire Police, 50-year-old Russell Rawlingson was arrested at Glenfield Road, Leicester for using threatening, abusive and insulting words to harass, cause alarm and distress, Sky News reported.
Rawlingson pleaded not guilty when he appeared in Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, BBC reported. He posted bail and was required to appear in court on June 15.
Feature Image via @sima_kotecha
