BBC issues apology as barrister drops C-bomb during live Dominic Cummings inquiry | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
MP Dominic Cummings appeared before the Covid-19 enquiry today where he was questioned over some WhatsApp messages which had been sent in a group chat, aimed towards his fellow ministers.
Dominic was asked by counsel to the inquiry Hugo Keith: “During large parts in your WhatsApp’s Mr Cummings we are going to have to [watch] or language somewhat. You called ministers ‘Useless f***ing pigs’, ‘Morons’ ‘C***s’ in emails and WhatsApps to your professional colleagues.
“Do you think you contributed to a lack of effectiveness on the part of ministers and of the cabinet?”
Cummings replied: “No I think I was reflecting a widespread view amongst competent people at the centre of power at the time about the calibre at the time of a lot of senior people dealing with this crisis extremely badly.” ,
Keith continued: “Are you suggesting that your views expressed in those revolting ways were shared by others?”
Cummings admitted: “Well the appalling language is my own but my judgement of a lot of senior people is widespread.”
The BBC issued an apology immediately after the incident and said: “Just a reminder that we are watching live, unedited coverage of the Covid inquiry.
“This is Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s chief advisor at the time of the Covid pandemic. They are reading out unedited messages sent at the time and there are more repeated expletives that we’re hearing.
“We are repeating our apology on behalf of what you can hear but it is not within our control unfortunately what is read out there.”
Viewers of the inquiry were appalled by the language used and took to their X accounts, formerly known as Twitter, to express their view.
Kevin Johns commented: “The C word broadcast live on the BBC news channel. Cummings, Covid inquiry.” (sic)
@Darlotoon said: “Well I never thought I’d hear the “C” word on mainstream BBC before lunchtime #CovidInquiryUK.”
Elaine Jones added: “And a cheeky c-word! What a day #CovidInquiryUK.” (sic)
@piemanefc fumed: “Please stop apologising after every swear word, it interrupts the flow and can lead to missing important points. I think we’ve all heard effing and jeffing in our lives. Thanks. #CovidInquiryUK.”
@JonWoodCov asked: “Could you just put a PG or 15 symbols in the corner of the screen rather than interject every time someone reads out a swear from Dom’s WhatsApps? #CovidInquiryUK.” (sic)
@maryepworth teased: “#CovidInquiryUK Swear jar filling up nicely.”
@RallierOfTroops quipped: “Best thing about this covid inquiry is the amount of swear words that are being broadcast on BBC News at 10am in the morning. Class. #CovidInquiryUK.” (sic)
