BBC News Anchor Geeta Guru-Murthy Caught in On-Air Mishap After Off-Camera Moment
BBC presenter Geeta Guru-Murthy experienced an awkward live broadcast blunder after walking off-camera while the news feed remained active. Read more.
POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — BBC news anchor Geeta Guru-Murthy experienced an unexpected moment of live television embarrassment this week when she inadvertently left her seat while the broadcast was still active.
The incident occurred following a segment featuring BBC world affairs editor John Simpson, who was marking his 60th anniversary with the network. Believing the interview had concluded, Guru-Murthy remarked that the conversation was lovely.
Simpson responded by jokingly asking if he could have a kiss, leading the presenter to stand up and move off-camera to embrace him. During this time, the live feed remained focused on her empty chair while her voice could be heard by the audience.
Upon returning to her position, Guru-Murthy noticed the cameras were still recording. Visibly flustered, she laughed and apologized to the viewers, stating that she had not realized they were still on air before quickly transitioning to the sports segment.
Clips of the broadcast error have since spread across social media platforms, with many viewers offering support for the presenter. Guru-Murthy is a veteran broadcaster at the network, known for her work on programs such as Asia Today, BBC World, BBC News 24, and BBC Breakfast.
This is not the first time the presenter has made headlines. Two years ago, she issued an on-air apology after describing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s comments on European migration as customary inflammatory language.
Following criticism from Farage, Guru-Murthy acknowledged that her choice of words failed to align with the BBC’s strict editorial standards regarding impartiality. She subsequently apologized to both the politician and the audience for the breach of neutrality.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
