“Do you have gay men in your team?”, the BBC apologizes after an inappropriate question to the captain of Morocco

2023-07-25 14:57:46

By Ad.B.

Posted 2 hours ago, Updated 8 minutes ago

Ghizlane Chebbak, captain of the Moroccans, was embarrassed by a question from a BBC journalist. ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE / REUTERS

The British media has apologized after one of its journalists questioned Moroccan Ghizlane Chebbak on the illegality of homosexuality in her country.

Start of the World Cup under tension for Morocco. Corrected 6-0 by Germany for their entry into the running, Ghizlane Chebbak’s teammates are also experiencing extra-sporting turbulence. Present at a press conference, the captain faced a particular question from a BBC journalist.

«In Morocco, it is illegal to have a homosexual relationship. Do you have gay players in your team and how is their life in Morocco?asked the journalist, referring to article 489 of the Moroccan penal code according to which homosexuality is punishable by six months to three years in prison.

“political” issue

«No, it’s not political. It’s about people, it has nothing to do with politics. Please let her answer the question“, he then hammered in the face of the refusal of the press attaché to let Ghizlane Chebbak answer, judging the question “policy».

According to the American media The Athletic, the intervention dismayed the other journalists present in the room, in particular the Moroccans. “The question was inappropriate. We did not intend to cause harm or inconvenience“A BBC spokesman apologized to CNN.

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