Olympics commentator Bob Ballard fired over misogynistic remark
July 30, 2024Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard will no longer broadcast for the network during the 2024 Paris Olympics following a sexist remark he made.
According to ‘Today’, during the women’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay on Saturday, July 27, Ballard made a controversial comment as Australia secured the gold medal. Upon the team’s exit from the pool deck, Ballard remarked that the Olympians were “just finishing off” and added, “you know what women are like... hanging around, you know, doing their makeup.”
Former Olympic swimmer and co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds responded, “Outrageous, Bob,” and laughed as Ballard chuckled. She also commented, “Some of the men are doing that as well, I’ll have you know.”
A clip of Ballard’s comment was shared on TikTok, captioned, “Casual sexism being thrown around on the swimming coverage… Baffling that this still happens on OLYMPIC coverage?? And in general??”
Image Credit: Canva
Numerous TikTok users criticised Ballard in the comments.
“In 2024?! There’s no way,” one user stated.
Another questioned, “How are these comments still being made??”
A day after Ballard’s remark went viral on social media, Eurosport confirmed in a statement to The Independent that he had been fired.
“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” the network stated on July 28. “To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”
Ballard also issued an apology on X for his remarks.
“The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport,” he wrote on July 29.
In a follow-up tweet, he added, “I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics. No further comment will be issued. Thank you.” He defended Simmonds in another tweet, stating, “P.s. Don’t pile in on @LizzieSimmonds1 — please! She has nothing to do with this.”
Some X users expressed their support for Ballard, deeming his firing unnecessary.
“Absolutely crazy to fire someone for something as inoffensive as that. Especially as yourself, who has done so much for women’s sport even from your days at Radio Sheffield. Chin up Bob,” one supporter commented.
Another user wrote, “I have listened to Bob many times covering various sports, but mainly the ice hockey. It is not fun anymore in this world, and people are offended on behalf of others who aren’t offended. He still has my utmost respect as a commentator, and it is Eurosport’s loss.”
Ballard responded to the tweets, thanking his fans for their support.
His removal from the broadcast came amid controversy over the Summer Games’ opening ceremony.
During the four-hour event on July 26, a segment featuring drag queens and dancers seated at a long table drew criticism for its resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” painting. Critics labeled it a “mockery” and “insulting to Christian people.”
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps apologised “if people have taken any offense” during a July 27 press conference.
“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, I think that (artistic director) Thomas Jolly really tried to celebrate community tolerance,” she said. “We believe that this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”
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