TVB clarifies 'African gorillas' comment by host after Ugandan athlete wins gold

TVB has put out a statement to clarify and defend comments made from one of its sports commentators which bordered on somewhat racially sensitive for some. The commentator was accused by netizens of making racists comments after a Ugandan athlete won gold in the men’s 5000m event, and pounded his chest in pride. 

According to multiple reports including HK01, when Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei won gold in the men’s 5000m event, the commentator remarked: “Are these what African gorillas are like?” The commentator's fellow co-host of the programme then replied that Cheptegei's act was a gesture of victory.  However, some netizens said such comments were racially abusive, and asked for a complaint to be filed to the Office of the Communications Authority. 

TVB said in a statement that Cheptegei is both a world-renowned runner and a tourism ambassador of Uganda where the largest population of Silverback Gorillas inhabit. His usual imitation of the chest beating movement of the Silverback Gorillas at the award stages has been a way to promote Uganda to the vast audience around the world.

"Therefore, our commentator was purely delivering an objective description based on sports knowledge, which did not constitute any discrimination or defamation implication. We do not have further comment," the spokesperson said. 

Earlier this year, the Uganda Tourism Board and Joshua Cheptegei entered into a one-year partnership that leveraged his stardom and his love for the country, to promote Uganda as a preferred tourism destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Meanwhile, in an interview after his win, Cheptegei explained that his gesture represented the gorillas and silverback, which is the male leader and protector of a mountain gorilla family. On his Instagram account, Cheptegei also posted images with “#silverback” or related hashtags to promote his country.

This is not the first presenter of TVB's that landed in hot water recently. Kelly Chan, who represented TVB to cover the Olympic Games, was heavily criticised by netizens for her inappropriate questions and reaction when interviewing Cheung, right after his win of the gold medal in fencing. Some criticised her over excitement and professing of love and admiration for the athlete asking questions such as "Now everyone is watching you through livestreaming [...]I love you so much and what can I do?"

She also made remarks such as wanting to blow him a kiss but couldn't because of social distancing. Chan later issued a post on her Instagram account and apologised to Cheung, audiences, and TVB for her inappropriate mannerisms.

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