BBC commentator Guy Mowbray committed an embarrassing double blunder during the World Cup final, mistaking Pharrell Williams for A$AP Rocky and then getting the rapper's name wrong. The incident occurred during a break in the first half of the match between Spain and Argentina at Met Life Stadium.
Stadium cameras focused on Pharrell Williams, the Grammy-winning singer and producer known for hits like "Happy." After an awkward silence, Mowbray said: "I think that's AKA Rocky, or A$AP Rocky, sorry..." The slip-up left social media users in disbelief.
Social Media Reaction
Users on X quickly highlighted the error. One called the clip "hilarious," while another advised: "Sometimes, it’s best to say nothing at all." A third user remarked: "He’s had a journalistic stinker. AKA Rocky..."
Some viewers took the mistake more seriously, arguing that a high-profile broadcaster should distinguish between two A-list celebrities, especially given both are African-American musicians. One user wrote: "Hi BBC I’d like to report racism on air. Your commentator called Pharrell ASAP Rocky."
Defense of Mowbray
Others defended Mowbray, noting his primary role is to commentate on the match, not identify celebrities. One user called the focus on celebrity spotting an "American obsession," while another joked that the blunder "further cement[s] his position as the greatest commentator this World Cup."
A$AP Rocky, 16 years younger than Pharrell, was also in attendance at the stadium with his partner Rihanna, with whom he shares three children.
About Guy Mowbray
Guy Mowbray, born in York in 1972, is one of the UK's most renowned football commentators, working primarily for the BBC and TNT Sports. He became the youngest television commentator to call a FIFA World Cup final at age 26.
