'I wasn’t ‘flipping the bird’ at viewers': BBC presenter apologises after giving middle finger live on air in ‘private joke’

7 December 2023, 08:52 | Updated: 7 December 2023, 08:57

Maryam Moshiri made the gesture ahead of a news programme yesterday
Maryam Moshiri made the gesture ahead of a news programme yesterday. Picture: BBC

By Asher McShane

A BBC news presenter has issued an apology after being caught on camera giving a middle finger in a ‘private joke’ ahead of a news bulletin.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Maryam Moshiri made the gesture as she came on screen - quickly realising the mistake before starting to read news headlines.

Ms Moshiri issued a full and candid apology on Twitter today, saying she was taking part in a ‘private joke’ with her crew and she was ‘sorry if I offended or upset anyone’.

Read more: BBC TV licence fee 'to rise by more than £10' as Sunak warns corporation to 'be realistic'

Ms Moshiri said: “Hey everyone, yesterday just before the top of the hour I was joking around a bit with the team in the gallery. 

“I was pretending to count down as the director was counting me down from 10-0... including the fingers to show the number. 

“So from 10 fingers held up to one. When we got to 1 I turned finger around as a joke and did not realise that this would be caught on camera. 

“It was a private joke with the team and I'm so sorry it went out on air! It was not my intention for this to happen and I'm sorry if I offended or upset anyone. 

“I wasn't 'flipping the bird' at viewers or even a person really. It was a silly joke that was meant for a small number of my mates.”

The mishap took place ahead of the world feed of BBC News at midday yesterday.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The UK will unveil new sanctions to "turn the screws" on Russia as it marks three years since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

UK to ‘turn the screws’ on Russia with new sanctions on three-year anniversary of Ukraine war

Netanyahu says the prisoners that were meant to be released today won't be until the next group of hostages is handed over .

Release of 602 Palestinian prisoners delayed until next group of hostages released 'without humiliating ceremonies', Netanyahu says

The M4 and the M48 have both been closed this evening after multiple people reported seeing a body on the road.

Two major motorways closed after human remains found on the road as drivers stuck for hours

The heavy iron roof at the Real Plaza Trujillo shopping centre, in the La Libertad region, fell onto dozens of people who were at the site.

Six people killed and 78 injured as Peru shopping centre food court roof collapsed in horror incident

Two guards were killed when armed assailants helped Amra escape from a prison convoy in Normandy last May, prompting a high-profile search.

Fugitive French prisoner 'the Fly' who staged deadly escape and prompted international hunt arrested in Romania

Yellow weather warning issued in the UK

Yellow warning issued as UK set to be battered by wind and rain in ‘severe weather’ on Sunday

Pope Francis.

Pope in 'critical condition' after suffering respiratory crisis, the Vatican said

French firefighters (C) operate near the site of a bladed weapon attack where a man is suspected of killing one person and wounding two municipal police officers in Mulhouse, eastern France on February 22, 2025.

One killed and several police officers injured in suspected terror attack in France

A police officer who removed a monitored offender's tag so that she could have a secret relationship with him has been jailed.

Police officer jailed after removing burglar’s tag to have secret sexual relationship with him

Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell have called on the Government to rethink proposals to relax copyright rules in a bid to protect creative talent from artificial intelligence (AI).

Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell unite behind copyright campaign to protect creative talent from US AI firms

Scratchcard.

Thieves win half a million on lottery ticket bought with stolen credit card

A police officer guards at the cordoned off Holocaust memorial after a man was attacked at the memorial site in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Suspect in Berlin Holocaust Memorial stabbing wanted to kill Jewish people, police say

A prison guard..

Prisoners forced to give birth while handcuffed to male officers

Hamas fighters stand in formation as they prepare for the ceremony of Israeli hostages hand over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Release of 602 Palestinian prisoners delayed due to 'assaults' say Hamas, amid 'violations' of ceasefire agreement

Tears of joy as sixth Israeli hostage handed over by Hamas - as 602 Palestinians poised for release

Tears of joy: Sixth Israeli hostage handed over by Hamas - as 602 Palestinians poised for release

Girl, 3, dies after a tram and van collide in Manchester

Girl, 3, dies after a tram and van collide in Manchester