BBC presenter forced to grovel with an apology after shockingly branding 63-year-old comedian Eddie Izzard ‘the man’ on live radio | HO

BBC presenter Anita Anand was forced to issue an on-air apology after accidentally misgendering comedian Eddie Izzard during a live broadcast on Radio 4’s PM programme on Friday.

The incident occurred when Anand referred to Izzard as “the man” during a discussion, a statement that triggered widespread concern and led to a swift apology from the broadcaster.

In a rare moment of public contrition, Anand expressed that she was “very, very sorry” for her slip-up. Despite Izzard’s well-documented indifference to gender labels and pronouns, the apology was in keeping with the BBC’s editorial guidelines on respectful language and gender identity.

The incident has once again highlighted the complex issues broadcasters face when dealing with gender identity in the public sphere, even in cases where individuals themselves express flexibility on such matters.

Izzard, 63, is a gender-fluid comedian who has long been an advocate for personal freedom when it comes to gender identity. The performer, who uses she/her pronouns but has repeatedly said that she is comfortable with both he/him and she/her pronouns, has openly stated that she doesn’t mind which pronouns are used to refer to her. In an interview with The Telegraph, Izzard stated, “He, she, it doesn’t matter,” highlighting her flexible and inclusive approach to gender labels.

Izzard’s approach to gender identity has been characterized by an openness and willingness to let people choose how they wish to refer to her, without fear of making a mistake. “I prefer to see she/her, I don’t mind he/him… I’m Eddie,” she explained in a previous podcast appearance.

The comedian has also mentioned her desire to be referred to as “Suzy,” a name she has felt connected to since she was ten years old. “I’m going to be Suzy Eddie Izzard,” she declared, further demonstrating her nonchalant attitude toward gender pronouns. “People can choose what they want. They can’t make a mistake, they can’t go wrong.”

Despite Izzard’s relaxed stance on pronouns and gender labels, Anand’s on-air mistake was met with swift action, as the BBC presenter took to the airwaves to issue a heartfelt apology. In doing so, Anand aligned herself with the BBC’s editorial policy, which mandates that broadcasters use the term and pronoun preferred by the individual being discussed.

This internal guideline places a responsibility on BBC staff to adhere to the language preferences of those they are reporting on, even when the individuals themselves express a more flexible or open approach to gender.

The incident took place during Izzard’s appearance on PM, where she was discussing her upcoming role in a new production of Hamlet that she will tour across the UK. In an unconventional twist, Izzard is set to play all 23 roles in the Shakespearean classic, an ambitious feat that was at the heart of her appearance on the programme.

During the pre-recorded interview, Anand asked Izzard to perform a snippet of the play for listeners, but Izzard politely declined the request. This moment, while mild in comparison to the larger controversy surrounding her pronouns, was nevertheless part of a wider discussion in which Anand inadvertently misgendered Izzard by referring to her as “the man.”

Izzard has always been clear about her disinterest in being confined by gender-specific labels. However, the BBC’s response to Anand’s misstep underscores the broadcaster’s strict commitment to respecting individual gender identities and upholding a standard of impartiality.

The BBC’s editorial guide explicitly states that presenters must use the term and pronouns preferred by the person in question when discussing them. This is especially important in situations where gender identity is a core aspect of the conversation, as it was in Izzard’s case.

Anand’s apology came swiftly, within moments of realizing her error. In a broadcast where she had referred to Izzard as “the man,” Anand immediately corrected herself, stating: “I’m very, very sorry. I misspoke.” The gesture was a clear attempt to align with the BBC’s guidelines and demonstrate respect for Izzard’s gender identity.

Her rapid acknowledgment of the mistake contrasts with a previous high-profile BBC misgendering incident that was met with significant public backlash.

Last February, Today presenter Justin Webb found himself embroiled in controversy after referring to trans women as “males” during a broadcast. The BBC upheld a complaint against Webb, agreeing that his comment gave the impression of endorsing a personal viewpoint, which breached the broadcaster’s impartiality standards.

In contrast, Anand’s approach was much more measured and immediate, issuing an apology without hesitation despite Izzard’s own relaxed stance on pronouns.

The differences between Webb’s case and Anand’s highlight a growing sensitivity around language use when it comes to gender identity. The BBC has faced increasing scrutiny from various quarters on its handling of gender-related issues, and this most recent incident serves as a clear example of the tightrope broadcasters must walk when addressing topics such as misgendering, identity, and personal pronouns.

For Izzard, the incident is just another chapter in a career marked by a refusal to conform to traditional gender expectations. Throughout her career, she has consistently advocated for freedom of expression, encouraging others to embrace a more fluid approach to identity.

As someone who has transcended conventional gender boundaries, Izzard’s philosophy on identity is refreshingly open, advocating for a world where people can choose how they wish to be identified without fear of judgment.

Yet, even with this stance, Izzard’s misgendering by a BBC presenter has raised questions about how much responsibility individuals and organizations have in ensuring the respectful treatment of others.

While Izzard’s personal indifference to gender labels may have made Anand’s error more forgivable, the BBC’s strict adherence to its editorial guidelines on pronouns demonstrates the broader commitment to fostering respect for all individuals, regardless of their stance on gender identity.

The situation also highlights the evolving nature of the conversation around gender fluidity and identity, particularly as it intersects with the world of media and broadcasting.

As more individuals, like Izzard, advocate for a more inclusive approach to gender, broadcasters are increasingly being called upon to strike a balance between respecting individual preferences and adhering to editorial standards.

While the BBC presenter’s mistake was unintentional, the broadcaster’s swift response has once again brought the conversation about gender and language to the forefront.

For Izzard, it’s another moment in a career that has often challenged traditional norms. But for the BBC and its presenters, it’s a reminder of the importance of getting it right, no matter how flexible or indifferent the individual in question may be about their own identity.

As the issue of gender identity continues to evolve, broadcasters like the BBC will face increasing challenges in navigating the complexities of language, respect, and inclusivity. The Izzard incident may have been a minor misstep, but it serves as a critical moment for understanding the impact of words and the power of language in shaping perceptions of identity.

For now, Izzard’s flexibility remains intact, and the focus will shift to the next stage in the conversation: how society at large continues to embrace fluid identities in a world that is rapidly becoming more inclusive, yet still grappling with how to handle these new realities.