Bob Ballard: Listen to the sexist comment that cost the Olympics commentator his job
Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard has been dismissed from the broadcaster’s Olympic Games coverage following a sexist remark about female swimmers.
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The incident occurred after Australia secured the gold medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on Saturday. During the commentary, Ballard, alongside Lizzie Simmonds, made the controversial comment, according to The Independent.
As the team headed to the Paris Aquatic Centre, a microphone picked up Ballard’s remark. In the clip, he is heard saying, “Well, the women are just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their makeup.”
Simmonds criticised the comment as “outrageous,” though she has not publicly commented further, Deadline reported.
The incident sparked backlash on social media, with users on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing their disapproval of Ballard’s inappropriate words.
Listen to the audio below;
Commentator Bob Ballard was fired after he made a joke on air. The hypocrisy is stunning. Flaunt public nudity and mock Christianity on national television during prime time, but a joke will get you fired.
— SULLY (@SULLY10X) July 29, 2024
This is ridiculous! pic.twitter.com/Y7bGZLbd8b