An Olympics commentator has been dropped after making a controversial comment about the Australian female swimming team.
Bob Ballard, a commentator for Warner Bros. Discovery-owned network Eurosport, was commentating the swimming during the second day of the Olympics when he said: “Well the women just finishing off, you know what women are like. Hanging around, you know, doing their makeup.”
A female colleague, believed to be fellow commentator and former Olympian Lizzie Simmonds, replied: “Outrageous, Bob. Some of the men are doing that as well?” Ballard laughed in response.
Ballard was speaking as the Australian team collected their gold medals for winning the women’s 4×100 metres relay.
The 15-second clip quickly went viral on social media leading to Ballard being dropped by the broadcaster. A spokesperson for Eurosport told Variety: “We can confirm that Bob Ballard has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”
Ballard is a journalist and longtime commentator who, according to his website, also commentates diving, ice hockey, basketball and wheelchair tennis. “I provide insightful and engaging commentary that keeps audiences captivated,” his website states. He also works as a music DJ and journalism lecturer.
Addressing the controversy on X, Ballard wrote: “The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport. I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics. No further comment will be issued. Thank you.”
Source Agencies
