George Alagiah In Chimpanzee' Jibe.

**Major Starbold** · 13-03-2009, 13:12

I suppose Chris Eakin will be hunted down and sacked now.

BBC newsreader George Alagiah in 'chimpanzee' jibe - mirror.co.uk

BBC newsreader George Alagiah in 'chimpanzee' jibe

13/03/2009

A BBC newsreader has apologised to George Alagiah after comparing him to a chimp on air.

Chris Eakin made the gaffe during a handover to the senior anchorman on digital channel News 24.

After reviewing a story about a chimpanzee in a zoo which had been throwing stones at visitors, he said: "Can you see any likeness?"

Alagiah, born in Sri Lanka, looked shocked at the remark before laughing it off.

One viewer complained after seeing the exchange.

Last night the BBC said: "It was an inappropriate remark that shouldn't have been made. BBC News apologises for any offence that may have been caused."

**Earl** · 13-03-2009, 13:17

Surely they know each other well enough to make jokes like that? If not, I hope he does get sacked the bumbling idiot.

**mimseycal** · 13-03-2009, 13:30

Good grief, when did we become such a nation of fragile flowers (and yes I did type flowers)!

**Earl** · 13-03-2009, 13:35

Well, one viewer complained. But it becomes headline news.

I seriously doubt there were any racist intentions, it's the kind of thing your dad says to you when the PG Tips ads come on telly. But is larking around against BBC rules?

**mimseycal** · 13-03-2009, 13:40

That's what I feel. Everything is taken out of context and blown up to all sorts of proportions but the relevant one.

All this emotive claptrap! Just a rhetorical 'stuffing your fingers down your throat' thing really!