The BBC presenter has some explaining to do after inadvertently giving viewers a half finger: “Hello everyone…”

A viral video clip of a BBC presenter prompted an apology and clarification after viewers were treated to a profane gesture on air.

BBC veteran Maryam Moshiri dismissed the incident as a “silly joke” but still offered her mea culpa for the moment cameras caught the middle finger she flashed during Wednesday's World Channel BBC News at noon.

The anchor appeared on screen after the midday show's countdown, giving the camera her middle finger before appearing to realize she was on air.

“Live from London, this is BBC News,” he said after quickly pulling his hand away and composing himself.

This is not satire, a real BBC News presenter was caught giving the middle finger live.

Maryam Moshiri summing up professionalism currently at the BBC. pic.twitter.com/QoJ4FT133J

— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) December 7, 2023

Moshiri continued to report on former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apology and other topics, but viewers had already had their attention.

The following morning, the two-decade BBC presenter issued a statement on social media, explaining how the moment was a “private joke” with members of the team at the BBC studio.

“Hey everyone, yesterday just before the top of the hour I was joking around a bit with the gallery team,” he wrote to X.

“I was pretending to count down while the manager was counting down from 10-0 to me… including fingers to show the number. So from 10 fingers to one,” he explained. “When we got to 1 I turned my finger as a joke and didn't realize that would be caught on camera.”

Hey everyone, yesterday just before rush hour I was playing a little prank with the team in the gallery.

I was pretending to count down while the director counted down to me from 10-0.. including fingers to show the number. So from 10 fingers held up to one.

When…

— Maryam Moshiri (@BBCMaryam) December 7, 2023

Moshiri apologized that the moment “got out in the air” and insisted: “It was not my intention for this to happen and I am sorry if I offended or upset anyone. I was not 'flicking the bird' at viewers or even to a real person.”

“It was a silly joke that was meant for a small number of my peers,” his message concluded.

While reactions varied, with some reminding him that he was professional, many others saw the lightness of the moment as they commented on X. British optical retail chain, Specsavers, offered a “nodding response”.

Head's answer

— utbdoug (@utbdoug969) December 7, 2023

Wild world we live in when you have to apologize for something like this

— Craig Monaghan (@craig_monaghan) December 7, 2023

I mean it's not that serious…it's fun. I don't think an apology is necessary. Thanks for the meme

– Saqib Ahmed (@Saqib_hmed) December 7, 2023

Bollocks. You got caught and now you come out with this sorry explanation

to resign

— Mike (@MikeSouthWestUK) December 7, 2023

My entire extended family has decided not to renew @bbc TV license unless you are removed from our screens. In the eyes of many, you have been particularly unprofessional recently, but this was despicable beyond words. My 6 year old nephew saw it and is traumatized.

— Le Souness (@LeSouness) December 7, 2023

It's fun, and people should get over themselves.

— Mark Bourrie (@MarkBourrie) December 7, 2023

Switching in a second to read the news was even more impressive.

— racingpete (@Betracingnation) December 7, 2023

By the looks of these comments, you can't even joke with your mates ‍♂️

I don't think any reasonable person would be offended after reading this explanation.

— Tom talks money (@Tom_Parla_diners) December 7, 2023

Senior Staff Writer
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida, where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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