Broadcaster Bob Ballard issued a statement Monday morning after he was pulled from Eurosport’s 2024 Olympics coverage over a sexist remark about members of Australia’s women’s swimming team.
After the Aussies won the 4x100m freestyle relay on Saturday, Ballard said, “Well the women are just finishing up. You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their makeup.”
He addressed the comment on X.
“The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence [sic.] It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise [sic.] I am a massive advocate of women’s sport,” Ballard wrote.
“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.”
In a follow-up, Ballard implored fans not to direct any of their outrage at his broadcast colleague, Lizzie Simmonds.
“P.s. Don’t pile in on @LizzieSimmonds1 – please! She has nothing to do with this,” Ballard wrote.
Eurosport confirmed on Sunday Ballard was no longer broadcasting the Olympics for them.
“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” Eurosport said in a statement, per The Independent. “To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”
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Some felt Eurosport pulling Ballard from its Olympics coverage was an overreaction.
The X account for 365 Radio in the UK spoke out in support of Ballard on Monday.
“We here at 365Radio.co would like to offer our 100% unequivocal support to our respected colleague & friend @bobballardsport,” the company said in an X post. “Bob is a caring, dedicated guy, as knowledgeable & passionate about the sport as he is his music & a true consummate professional who’s been harshly criticised [sic] for having a sense of humour [sic.]
“Shame on @eurosport for a pathetic gross overreaction to a comment that hurt no one. Give the guy his job back, he’s done nothing wrong in the eyes of the majority.”
Ballard responded to 365 Radio, writing, “Thanks team. Love you. 😘.”
The longtime Olympics broadcaster, who has mainly called swimming and diving, has also worked on basketball, hockey and cricket coverage, among other sports, with a long career at BBC Radio 5 Live.