The BBC has issued an apology following an error in its coverage of the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The broadcaster's News at Ten programme on September 12, 2025, included a package on political reaction to his death, but a line in the introduction was found to be inaccurate.
In a statement posted on its website three months after the broadcast, the BBC acknowledged the mistake. It said: 'In an introduction to a package on political reaction to Charlie Kirk’s killing we mistakenly said there had been “calls for retribution from senior Republicans and Democrats alike”. To be clear any evidence of this should have been in the package and we were wrong to include this line.'
The apology comes after the corporation faced backlash from viewers over what was described as 'distasteful' coverage of Kirk's assassination. The 31-year-old was shot dead on September 10 while speaking at a university campus in Utah, leaving behind his wife Erika and young children.
During the BBC's rolling coverage, Democratic strategist Joi Chaney appeared to laugh while commenting on Kirk, saying: 'He wasn't admired and loved by all, so that's an exaggeration.' Viewers expressed outrage on social media, with one writing: 'Shame on you. I think that millions around the world disagree with your take. He was loved, celebrated, educated, gifted. Charlie is dead. Don't celebrate that. Don't laugh at that.'
Another user said: 'If individuals like this are given the chance to speak on national television, this is what will happen. Her choice of words and tone suggests she's glad the man is gone. Such a weak and heartless person.' A third added: 'Couldn't believe it when I heard this on the BBC. Why did they even have this Democrat, Joi Chaney, on the programme? She was laughing at the death of Charlie Kirk. Pure evil.'
