The BBC Apologizes After Airing Footage Of LeBron James During Segment About Kobe Bryant's Death
BBC's evening news program BBC News at Ten made an apology after their unfortunate mistake of showing footage of NBA star LeBron James while reporting on the death of Kobe Bryant.
On Sunday, NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died with seven other passengers in a helicopter crash in the hills of Calabasas, California. The full list of victims hasn't been released by authorities, but family members of the victims confirmed their identities in tributes posted online.
In addition to Kobe and Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, the other victims have been identified as husband John, wife Keri and daughter Alyssa Altobelli; mother Sarah and daughter Payton Chester; coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan.
The BBC ran a segment paying tribute to Bryant and started with a photo of the late Bryant and his daughter, but then cut to clips of LeBron James out on the court.
I genuinely cannot believe that the actual BBC News at 10 just did this https://t.co/n6csMV9OOG— Matthew Champion (@Matthew Champion) 1580076991.0
A clip of James high-fiving another teammate showed while the reporter was talking about Bryant:
"His list of achievements is long. An all-star, an NBA champion and an Olympic gold medalist."
"He was unashamedly competitive. And he was deeply frustrated when his playing career was cut short by injuries."
The gaffe did not go unnoticed by Twitter.
Users mocked the British broadcaster.
@matthewchampion "RIP Black Basketball Man" - BBC News, January 2020— BoJack Horseman, new judge on FHBA: Los Angeles (@BoJack Horseman, new judge on FHBA: Los Angeles) 1580078355.0
@bojack90s @matthewchampion We all look alike, remember— Mrs H T Esq. (not an M.P.) (@Mrs H T Esq. (not an M.P.)) 1580078810.0
@matthewchampion BBC be like: RIP Kobe Bryant https://t.co/EHm7ygHYaH— Trey the Explainer (@Trey the Explainer) 1580133777.0
@matthewchampion What I don’t get is how they show a picture of Kobe and his daughter AND THEN show clips of LeBron. https://t.co/r5waXCSdbI— Marco 🍁 (@Marco 🍁) 1580102932.0
The team jersey should have been a strong indicator to avoid the snafu.
@matthewchampion @MarkDiStef clue: name on the back of a player's shirt = their er name.— guy evans (@guy evans) 1580077611.0
@matthewchampion How on earth does that happen!! His shirt says 'James' that should be your first clue folks!— The CustardTV (@The CustardTV) 1580078025.0
@matthewchampion Their names are LITERALLY on their jerseys like? https://t.co/38xTX3ZEWp— Dr. Whomst (@Dr. Whomst) 1580116380.0
@matthewchampion @shaistaAziz I don't know anything about basketball... But I can still read the names on the back of the shirts 🙈— E T (@E T) 1580109778.0
Some viewers theorized that the BBC may have scrambled to gather footage for the breaking news.
BBC video editor scrambled to get stock footage of Kobe Bryant and picked out LeBron James footage instead. I bet t… https://t.co/JTV5q9uUJx— Tom Warren (@Tom Warren) 1580080261.0
@matthewchampion It was a genuine mistake by an individual who no doubt is very embarrassed by the error. Go easy w… https://t.co/uCPN2UqGfW— Padraig Harnett (@Padraig Harnett) 1580136581.0
Some refused to let the BBC off the hook.
@matthewchampion For anyone who asks how this can be possible... It's possible in a society where POC are structur… https://t.co/3WZxEb7iyQ— Beate Beller (@Beate Beller) 1580079407.0
@matthewchampion There's been a real smell of decay and decline around @BBCNews for some time and it's just honking… https://t.co/F1zU1U2u5u— Squinter (@Squinter) 1580081792.0
@matthewchampion It may have been an accident but it stems from the fact that all those with skill and integrity ha… https://t.co/cNTB3A8o8Q— Northern Resister (@Northern Resister) 1580080265.0
@matthewchampion I can not believe this. The lack of effort to check this going out on BBC News. Sometimes I’m so e… https://t.co/D2dIzVesN3— James (@James) 1580106596.0
@matthewchampion The irony is that the BBC are constantly trying to show themselves to be the most diverse organisa… https://t.co/evNcEmsuyH— Rachel Esner (@Rachel Esner) 1580125397.0
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James don't even look similar. If the BBC hired more black producers and editors, appalling… https://t.co/4PZXnzWOaY— David Lammy (@David Lammy) 1580107624.0
Others asked people to focus on the victims in the wake of such tragedy.
@matthewchampion Whilst I do love a bit of BBC bashing, might I suggest we all can the outrage for a while, and foc… https://t.co/4wEXGG92nf— Leo Tsang (@Leo Tsang) 1580107737.0
The BBC issued a statement calling what happened, a "human error."
"In tonight's coverage of the death of Kobe Bryant on BBC News at Ten we mistakenly used pictures of LeBron James in one section of the report."
"We apologise for this human error which fell below our usual standards on the programme."
In tonight’s coverage of the death of Kobe Bryant on #BBCNewsTen we mistakenly used pictures of LeBron James in one… https://t.co/EPTthePZ3m— Paul Royall (@Paul Royall) 1580078751.0
It’s not a “human error” to confuse two black people who look nothing alike, one of whom has his name on his back.… https://t.co/DqGAmKXvjj— Monisha Rajesh (@Monisha Rajesh) 1580082499.0
Witnesses of the crash recalled hearing sputtering noises from the engine before the Sikorsky S-76B helicopter crashed into the hill side before 10 a.m.
The exact cause remains under investigation.
Former President Barack Obama also expressed his sorrow for Bryant and Gianna.
"Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act."
"To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day."
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To… https://t.co/YlRRr9ng7Q— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama) 1580075776.0
Kurt Deetz, a pilot who used to fly Bryant, said the weather may have played a role in the crash over mechanical failure.
He told the Los Angeles Times:
"The likelihood of a catastrophic twin engine failure on that aircraft—it just doesn't happen."
Bryant played with the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 seasons and was the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points.
The 18-time all-star was 41.
Dwyane Wade's Interview About Raising A Queer Child Is A Must-Watch Master Class In Parenting
Former professional basketball player Dwyane Wade just opened up about parenting his queer child.
And his powerful message was a slam dunk for the LGBTQ community.
In Wednesday's moving interview on Showtime's All the Smoke podcast, Wade said that his 12-year-old child, Zion Malachi Airamis—who is openly a part of the LGBTQ community and prefers the pronoun she—has "way more strength and courage" than he has.
In November, social media users expressed their objection to Thanksgiving photos that his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, posted on Instagram, which revealed Zion's long finger nails and her sporting a cropped top.
The photo sparked a lot of hate-filled messages, with narrow-minded people being more fixated on Zion's nails and outfit over reasons to be grateful during the holidays.
When asked to comment on the backlash over having a queer child, the former Miami Heat player touched on unconditional love, being transparent and the importance of visibility and allowing kids to be "seen."
"Me and my wife, we talk about making sure our kids understand the power in their voice."
"We want them to be whoever they feel that they can be in this world. That's our goal. Understand you can be whoever and you can be whatever."
You can watch the full All the Smoke interview, here.
Dwyane Wade | Ep 9 | Big 3, Zaire, Retirement | ALL THE SMOKE Full Podcastwww.youtube.com
In his conversations, Wade prepared Zion about the reality of growing up and facing negativity, not only as a queer person, but also as someone who is Black.
Much respect to @DwyaneWade for being so accepting of his child ❤️ Life is hard enough so I’m sure his support mean… https://t.co/9H4ioXFijh— b (@b) 1576824986
The 37 year-old is also a father to Kaavia James, 13 months; Xavier Zechariah, 6; Zaire Blessing Dwyane, 17 and is a guardian to nephew Dahveon Morris, 18.
The proud father explained why he chose to respond to the backlash instead of staying silent.
"When I respond to things socially, I'm not responding because you're hurting my feelings. I'm not responding because I care about what you're saying, because as we say in the in the hood it's 'ignant.'"
"Why I'm responding is because I understand my platform. I understand that I'm speaking for a lot of people don't have the same voice that I have.
"As a father, I'm even speaking for my 12-year-old because I haven't allowed them to sit in front of a microphone yet. But I'm speaking for so many others in the LGBTQ+ community. For me it's just my version of supporting."
As a parent my only goal is that my kids feel that i see them , love them and support them. https://t.co/ZrJp9WFdbi— DWade (@DWade) 1575155995
He admitted he had to educate himself on the LGBTQ community after noticing Zion was on a different "vibe" than his older brother, Zaire.
Wade also used the pronoun she in reference to Zion.
"I had to look myself in the mirror when my son at the time was 3 years old and me and my wife started having conversations about us noticing that he wasn't on the boy vibe that Zaire [Dwyane's older son] was on."
"And I had to look myself in the mirror and say, 'What if your son come home and tells you he's gay? What are you going to do? How are you going to be? How are you going to act? It ain't about him. He knows who he is. It's about you. Who are you?'"
"I've watched my son from day one become into who she now eventually has come into."
Many people were moved by Wade's powerful and inspired speech and praised both him and Union on Twitter for their unconditional love.
Being Black and LGBTQ, hearing someone as influential as @DwyaneWade speak so casually about loving and accepting h… https://t.co/pDK40aqR1y— Brian McBride (@Brian McBride) 1576854780
This actually made me cry. @DwyaneWade, Zion will never have to wonder if her daddy loves her, and that is a gift t… https://t.co/X67tKiMgxX— ricky, phd (@ricky, phd) 1576855633
I know I didn’t get enough sleep bc I just cried watching @DwyaneWade interview when he was talking about his son Zion. 😅— elociN anideM (@elociN anideM) 1576855211
@SpinnerGrace @OfArthurshire Ex NBA player Dwayne Wade’s child Zion has chosen feminine pronouns and he’s been supe… https://t.co/c9xEBpQpBt— Liz Yates is a fake name 😉 (@Liz Yates is a fake name 😉) 1576831073
Absolutely beautiful. @DwyaneWade is an incredible human and parent. ❤️❤️❤️ #inclusion Dwyane Wade Watched His… https://t.co/LFJrLezwF7— Kelly Q. Anderson (she/her) (@Kelly Q. Anderson (she/her)) 1576849347
I can’t stop applauding @DwyaneWade & @itsgabrielleu for their public, unabashed support and love for Zion. There a… https://t.co/XRvkXGXXZK— Jillian Svensson (@Jillian Svensson) 1576844892
@DwyaneWade What you have offered your child and the whole world is something truly precious: Unconditional love… https://t.co/0w3F6DIzQf— Devon Spier / חיה אריאל / Chaya Arielle / she/they (@Devon Spier / חיה אריאל / Chaya Arielle / she/they) 1576821192
Wade did not stay silent when his child was under attack on social media for the Thanksgiving photos.
He fired back on Twitter:
"I've seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—so I get it."
"But here's the thing—I've been chosen to lead my family not y'all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile!"
I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—… https://t.co/3rSpUszHjW— DWade (@DWade) 1575156526
At one point in the interview, Wade commented on the increase in visibility of queer people and queer issues.
"This is the new normal, everybody needs to get used to it."
"If anybody is different, we're looked at as different; the ones who don't understand it. The ones that don't get it and are stuck in a box, you're different. Not the people that are out there living their lives."
He closed out on the subject with:
"For me it's all about, nothing changes with my love. Nothing changes with my responsibilities. Only thing I have to do now is get smarter and educate myself more, and that's my job."
Wade is also known for his philanthropy.
In 2013, he founded The Wade's World Foundation—which supports community-based organizations that provide education, health and social skills to children in at-risk situations.
He is also an avid supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Wade may be immortalized as a 13-time NBA All-Star in his professional career, but at home, his kids will always see him as their ultimate MVP.
The book Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child is available here.
Octavia Spencer Shares A Story About LeBron James Helping Her Negotiate A Contract To Make A Powerful Point
On January 26th, Octavia Spencer, star of The Help, The Shape of Water, and Hidden Figures, took part in a Sundance panel in Park City, Utah.
During the conversation, Spencer emphasized the importance of male allies in the fight for equality by telling the story of how LeBron James, a producer on her new Netflix limited series, stepped in to make sure she was paid an appropriate amount for her work.
Spencer will be playing the titular role in the new Netflix show Madam C.J. Walker.
During the panel, she told the story about how James's influence made the difference in making sure she was paid what she deserved:
"I have to say, when I was negotiating my deal for Madam C.J., LeBron James had to intervene. So we need all our male counterparts to be in the fight with us."
@TMZ GOAT on and off the court— Damian Désirée (@Damian Désirée) 1548793534.0
@TMZ A true king mans warms my heart— James Whitehead (@James Whitehead) 1548799761.0
@TheRoot Another example LeBron James is more than just basketball.More athletes should follow his example.— Berman Patterson (@Berman Patterson) 1548773305.0
@TMZ https://t.co/dGZdv8VlPl— easygranby (@easygranby) 1548793414.0
Kyra Sedgwick, Jenna Elfman and Cassian Elwes also appeared on the panel.
According to Bustle, Elwes agreed with Spencer's point on the importance of male allies, but also acknowledged that men often fall short of their hopes:
"I think men are on a steep learning curve in Hollywood. I was in the middle of a negotiation, actually in the last two days, where the lawyer for the male star was saying, 'Oh, he should get paid more than she should,' and I was like, 'Absolutely not, they're going to be most favored nations in this deal, they're gonna get the same deal basically."
@HuffPost IT SHOULDN'T HAVE TO TAKE HIM THO.— Sarah Hopkins (@Sarah Hopkins) 1548901250.0
Meanwhile, female allies also make a huge difference in supporting each other and ensuring equitable pay.
Spencer told the story of how, after speaking of her struggle with Jessica Chastain, Chastain had her pay increased five-fold:
"I told her my story and we talked numbers and she was quiet, and she had no idea that that's what it was like for women of color. Fast forward to last week, we're making five times what we asked for. Jessica Chastain believes, she is walking the walk."
@EoinKeane101 @iamshanicealia More on that https://t.co/0H6R1J1JO1— Jawnerys Targaryen (@Jawnerys Targaryen) 1548421506.0
While she knows progress takes a long time, Spencer is also excited for the direction Hollywood is moving in:
"I'm a pragmatist, and I think that what's exciting is, for me right now, is I feel like there's a paradigm shift and women are leading the charge in that."
"We just have to continue the momentum, and we have to remember that all of us, we need to work together, men and women. We need to advocate for each other."
Twitter was behind Spencer 100% in her fight for equality:
@shadowandact @octaviaspencer @KingJames @netflix Better together.This is how we all should operate . Reach behind and pull someone up👍🏾👏🏾🙏🏾— Anita (@Anita) 1548791154.0
@shadowandact @octaviaspencer @KingJames @netflix A Madam CJ Walker series? I’m so here for it. I was her 3 years i… https://t.co/PXE99EA5wf— Tab So (@Tab So) 1548858410.0
@shadowandact @MrDane1982 @octaviaspencer @KingJames @netflix Lebron assisting everywhere!— wtfknhell-😈 (@wtfknhell-😈) 1548824285.0
@HuffPost https://t.co/Z698GAXcz5— Antonio G Zertuche (@Antonio G Zertuche) 1548901395.0
In the never-ending journey towards equity of pay, every bit of help makes a difference, whether it's from a man or a woman.