08:43 GMT, 4 August 2012
NBC has become the centre of a race storm after airing an ad featuring a monkey performing
gymnastics, right after showing the performance of Gabby Douglas, the first African-American to win
Olympic gold.
The network has since apologised for the advert's poor timing, explaining: 'No offense was intended.'
The controversy ignited as sportscaster Bob Costas wrapped his analysis of her incredible routine
during the all-around competition last night.
Costas said: 'There are some African American girls out there who tonight are saying to themselves:
"Hey, I’d like to try that too." More from London in a moment.'
Watch News Advert:-http://youtu.be/MDmVI2OAGbg .... This video is censored by YouTube!
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You can still watch the video at The Daily Mail:- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...howing-monkey-airs-Gabby-Douglas-victory.html
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00001-81.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00001-81.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The broadcast then went to a commercial break, showing an advertisement featuring a monkey
wearing a gymnastics uniform and performing a rings gymnastics event.
The unintentional, but poorly-timed ad was for Animal Practice, an upcoming NBC sitcom.
Angry viewers lashed out at the network on social media platforms like Twitter, accusing them
of racism.
In a statement to MailOnline, NBC Sports said: 'Gabby Douglas' gold medal performance last night
was an historic and inspiring achievement.
Gabby may be a rising star in gymnastics, but the golden achievement has also brought unwanted
attention.
The race uproar came after another nasty row involving Twitter over the gymnastics sensation’s
hair, expressing their disapproval over how it was styled.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00002-70.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00002-70.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Critics have argued that her dark locks should in fact mimic the tight, ballerina-style bun that
gymnasts usually tuck their hair into.
NBC's broadcast of the London games has come under intense scrutiny, which has been exacerbated
due to Twitter, which viewers have used as a soap box to gripe about the coverage.
It was accused of manufacturing unnecessary suspense for the women's team gymnastics final on
Wednesday night- which was arguably not even close.
Protests erupted earlier this week following a promo that showed U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin with
her gold medal - moments before the network aired the dramatic race in which she won it.
There was also outrage over NBC's decision to cut a tribute for the victims of the London 2005
terrorist bombings from its Olympics Opening Ceremony coverage on Friday.
The network said it did not air the tribute because it wasn't tailored for the U.S. audience - and aired
a Ryan Seacrest interview with iconic swimmer Michael Phelps instead.
NBC has become the centre of a race storm after airing an ad featuring a monkey performing
gymnastics, right after showing the performance of Gabby Douglas, the first African-American to win
Olympic gold.
The network has since apologised for the advert's poor timing, explaining: 'No offense was intended.'
The controversy ignited as sportscaster Bob Costas wrapped his analysis of her incredible routine
during the all-around competition last night.
Costas said: 'There are some African American girls out there who tonight are saying to themselves:
"Hey, I’d like to try that too." More from London in a moment.'
Watch News Advert:-http://youtu.be/MDmVI2OAGbg .... This video is censored by YouTube!
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00004-38.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00004-38.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
You can still watch the video at The Daily Mail:- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...howing-monkey-airs-Gabby-Douglas-victory.html
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00001-81.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00001-81.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The broadcast then went to a commercial break, showing an advertisement featuring a monkey
wearing a gymnastics uniform and performing a rings gymnastics event.
The unintentional, but poorly-timed ad was for Animal Practice, an upcoming NBC sitcom.
Angry viewers lashed out at the network on social media platforms like Twitter, accusing them
of racism.
In a statement to MailOnline, NBC Sports said: 'Gabby Douglas' gold medal performance last night
was an historic and inspiring achievement.
Gabby may be a rising star in gymnastics, but the golden achievement has also brought unwanted
attention.
The race uproar came after another nasty row involving Twitter over the gymnastics sensation’s
hair, expressing their disapproval over how it was styled.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00002-70.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00002-70.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Critics have argued that her dark locks should in fact mimic the tight, ballerina-style bun that
gymnasts usually tuck their hair into.
NBC's broadcast of the London games has come under intense scrutiny, which has been exacerbated
due to Twitter, which viewers have used as a soap box to gripe about the coverage.
It was accused of manufacturing unnecessary suspense for the women's team gymnastics final on
Wednesday night- which was arguably not even close.
Protests erupted earlier this week following a promo that showed U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin with
her gold medal - moments before the network aired the dramatic race in which she won it.
There was also outrage over NBC's decision to cut a tribute for the victims of the London 2005
terrorist bombings from its Olympics Opening Ceremony coverage on Friday.
The network said it did not air the tribute because it wasn't tailored for the U.S. audience - and aired
a Ryan Seacrest interview with iconic swimmer Michael Phelps instead.
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