Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Paxman apologises after swearing on Newsnight

By Press Gazette

BBC journalist Jeremy Paxman apologised last night after swearing during Newsnight.

The broadcaster read a direct quote from Andrew Rawnsley’s book on the inner workings of New Labour – The End of the Party – which said: “(Gordon) Brown went berserk with Bob Shrum. ‘How could you do this to me, Bob?’ Brown screamed at a shaking Shrum. ‘How could you fucking do this to me?'”

A few minutes later Paxman apologised to viewers for his use of the word.

He said: “Apparently I’m told by our editor I have to apologise for quoting what you said the Prime Minister said and using the f word there. So honour satisfied now.”

A BBC spokesman said: “During a post watershed interview with Andrew Rawnsley, Jeremy read a direct quote from his book which contained an expletive. He apologised immediately to anyone that may have found it offensive.”

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Websites in our network