Entertainment

Britain’s top TV host accused of racism for not pronouncing Nigerian guest’s name properly

Published

2 years ago

January 28, 2022

Kate Garraway has been slammed on Twitter after several viewers expressed their fury over her inability to pronounce Dr Shola Mos-shogbaminu’s surname straight away, with many questioning whether she practiced beforehand.

The Good Morning Britain Co-host have been accused of ‘casual racism’ and professional misconduct.

‘For a presenter who must get paid a few hundred thousand a year, you would think Kate would have the professional courtesy to practice the surname of a guest beforehand, if she knew she would struggle with it. Rather than “I can’t be a**ed, introduce yourself Shola! #GMB,”’ one person tweeted.

In a second tweet, another added: ‘At worst it’s casual racism which probably didn’t even register with her, at best it’s completely unprofessional, rude and lazy.’

The incident which led Kate to stutter occurred On Friday’s edition of the ITV program where Kate and Ben Shephard interviewed Dr Shola and Leo Kearse about cancel culture.

Ben Shepard introduced the pair, speaking to Leo first about his experience of being ‘cancelled’ as a comedian, Kate then turned to Dr Shola, attempting to say her full name but blundering on the lawyer and activist’s surname, stating: ‘Let me do that again.’

However, she then appeared to give up completely, saying: ‘Dr Shola – you say your surname, ‘cause I’m useless this morning.’

Dr Shola replied: ‘Ok so read it phonetically. I’m not going to let you get away with that. Read it phonetically, pronounce it as you see it.’

Kate read her guest’s surname again, as Dr Shola clapped in response to the GMB presenter finally saying her name correctly.