Announcers Suspended For Calling Olympic Gold Medallist Meagan Duhamel 'That B***h From Canada'
Simon Reed made the comment at the World Figure Skating Championships.
Announcers at the World Figure Skating Championships have been suspended after calling Olympic medallist Meagan Duhamel 'that b***h from Canada'.
Brits Simon Reed and Nicky Slater were announcing the pairs event for the International Skating Union (ISU) feed of the figure skating championships when the comment was made on Wednesday, 23 March.
Reed appeared to believe his microphone was turned off as he referred to Duhamel using the derogatory language, prompting Slater to laugh, but the comment was caught by listeners over the speaker.
Following the event, the ISU took to Twitter to release a statement condemning the comment and assuring the matter was being dealt with.
It wrote: "Following the Pairs Short Program at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2022, an open mic picked up a disrespectful comment made by the two commentators working on the international signal.
"The ISU is shocked by the language used by the two commentators which does not reflect its views whatsoever. The ISU strongly condemns any statements of a discriminatory or prejudicial nature. There is no place for harassing and abusive language or remarks and behavior in sport and our society."
The organisation went on to say it had suspended both Reed and Slater and assured neither commentator would be covering any future figure skating events for the ISU.
The ISU apologised to Duhamel for the 'inappropriate and unacceptable behavior of the two commentators' and said an internal investigation into the matter is set to be launched.
Prior to the comment being made, Duhamel, who won the Olympic gold medal in pairs for Canada in 2018 and a silver medal in 2014, had called on the ISU to replace Reed and Slater with better commentators in a tweet that read: "The ISU YouTube feed commentator said it was sad the Russians aren't at Worlds. And then admitted they don't watch skating often so they 'aren't sure' about jump rotation. Um. There are better options ISU!"
The figure skater later took to Twitter to confirm she had received 'personal apologies' from both Reed and the ISU president, adding: "I don't think a public apology is necessary at this point. I appreciate and respect their apologies."
Duhamel received support from international skaters such as Kaitlyn Weaver and Adam Rippon after news of the comment was shared, with Weaver joking that she would buy merchandise to show off the insulting phrase as she wrote: "100% really most definitely want a shirt that says 'that b!tch from Canada'."
Duhamel was broadcasting the event for the CBC, with the championships continuing this weekend in Montpellier, France.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyEmily Brown