A BBC presenter was forced to apologise on air after a guest accidentally used strong language during a live interview about the late artist David Hockney. The incident occurred during a segment dedicated to the celebrated painter, who passed away at the age of 88 on Thursday, June 11.
The Awkward Moment
Scarlett Clark, the granddaughter of Hockney's muse, appeared on BBC News to discuss the artist's legacy. During the interview, presenter Matthew Amroliwala asked her: 'What advice did he give to you?' Clark responded: 'I mean the same thing really. He said: "Enjoy and paint what you love and, yeah, just f**k everyone."'
After a brief laugh, she realised her mistake, covered her mouth, and grimaced, apologising to viewers. Amroliwala quickly stepped in, telling the audience: 'Apologies for that.' Clark continued to apologise, and Amroliwala reassured her before moving the conversation on to Hockney's sense of humour.
As the interview concluded, Amroliwala addressed viewers again, saying: 'Again, apologies if you were offended by the language there in part of that interview with Scarlett Clark, but we'll have much more on the career of David Hockney a little later.'
Viewer Reactions
The unscripted moment delighted many viewers, who felt the late artist would have enjoyed the slip-up. Social media users shared their amusement, with one writing: 'Hilarious moment in memories of the great David Hockney – and I sense this entire BBC scene would have entertained him enormously.'
Another commented: 'A gloriously Hockneyesque moment……an f-ing fitting farewell.' Others praised the BBC for fulfilling its mission to inform, educate, and entertain, with one viewer calling it 'TV gold.'
Earlier BBC Blunder
The incident came a day after the BBC made a broadcasting error during the 1pm news bulletin, mistakenly announcing 'David Hockney resigns' instead of reporting his death. The error was quickly corrected, but it added to the BBC's recent on-air mishaps.
Tributes to David Hockney
Tributes have poured in for Hockney, a major figure in the pop art movement. A Downing Street spokesperson said: 'The Prime Minister is saddened to hear of the death of David Hockney, one of Britain's most celebrated artists. His vivid, instantly recognisable work influenced generations of artists, and the Prime Minister's thoughts are with his friends and family.'
Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, said: 'David was an endlessly inventive artist, with a unique vision of the world. He was always completely and courageously himself, both in his work and in life. He taught us about the joy of looking, seeing things the rest of us failed to notice.'
A statement confirming his death read: 'The celebrated British artist David Hockney, one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday.'
