The BBC is facing backlash after a significant error during its 1pm news bulletin on Friday. While reporting the death of British artist David Hockney, the broadcaster displayed a graphic that read "David Hockney resigns" instead of acknowledging his passing. The mistake quickly went viral on social media, with viewers expressing anger and disbelief.
Viewers React to the Blunder
Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to share screenshots of the erroneous graphic. One user wrote: "@BBCBreaking @BBCNews You just announced on your BBC news at one, David Hockney RESIGNS, when he has actually died. You should apologise to his family! Can't you lot do anything right?" Another commented: "There must be some embarrassment at BBC One news this afternoon. BBC headline caption said 'David Hockney resigns'…resigns from life, that is…the iconic artist has died at the age of 88. Perhaps their error was down to so many government resignations these past few weeks."
A third added: "The @BBC states David Hockney resigns when in fact he has died! We fund this!"
David Hockney's Death Confirmed
Hockney, one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2026, just a month before his 89th birthday. His representatives confirmed the news, leading to an outpouring of tributes.
Tributes from Prominent Figures
Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement: "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."
Piers Morgan also paid tribute, tweeting: "RIP David Hockney, 88. One of Britain's greatest ever artists, a Yorkshireman to his bootstraps, my neighbour in Kensington (often saw him on local manoeuvres, albeit in a wheelchair more recently) and a wonderful character. Loved his quote: 'Laugh a lot, it clears the lungs.'"
The BBC has not yet officially responded to the error, but the incident has sparked widespread criticism over the broadcaster's editorial standards.
