BBC News viewers were left distracted during a weekend bulletin on the US midterm elections after a reflection on the newsreader's desk appeared to spell out an unintended word. The graphic on screen read "US Midterm Elections" alongside a US flag, but the reflection of the word "Elections" on the desk made it look like "Erections" to many watching.
The moment was flagged on Tuesday, November 2 by TV critic and co-host of BBC podcast Must Watch, Scott Bryan. He shared a screengrab on social media and said: "BBC News errrr… you might want to check the reflection."
Reflection on desk changes word
The bulletin was reporting on the upcoming US midterm elections, where Americans are set to vote this week to elect members of Congress. The results could have a significant impact on Donald Trump's presidency, of which he has two years remaining in his term.
However, the reflection of the graphic on the newsreader's desk distorted the word. The upside-down 'L' made it look more like an unconventional letter 'R', leading viewers to see the word "Erections" on the reflective surface.
Viewers react with humour
Scott's original post drew several responses, with many people joking about the incident. One person asked: "Will they face stiff competition from Sky News?" Another added: "They're going to have to open up a Department for Reflections Corrections at this rate."
Someone else commented: "Is that a seismic shift in Congressional voting intentions, or are you happy to see me?!" Others predicted the incident could inspire a sketch on SNL UK in the near future.
Not everyone was convinced the reflection accurately portrayed what was suggested. One person argued: "I'm willing to accept a TOYS"Я"US-style backwards 'N', but an upside-down T ruins it for me."
