Eurosport Drops Commentator Over Inappropriate Remarks During Olympic Coverage

PARIS (AP) — Eurosport has terminated the contract of commentator Bob Ballard following his controversial remarks about women during the Olympic swimming coverage in Paris. After Australia secured victory in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay, Ballard made a comment suggesting that women were preoccupied with their appearance, stating, “You know what women are like ... hanging around, doing their makeup.” This remark sparked immediate backlash. Co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds, a former Olympic swimmer, condemned Ballard's statement on air, labeling it as “outrageous.” Her reaction highlighted the growing intolerance for sexist comments in sports broadcasting, particularly during a high-profile event like the Olympics. Eurosport responded swiftly, issuing a statement that acknowledged the inappropriateness of Ballard's comment and confirming his removal from the commentary team effective immediately. As a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery, Eurosport holds the primary Olympic broadcasting rights in Europe and collaborates with various national public networks through sub-licensing agreements. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining respectful and inclusive commentary in sports media, especially in an era where gender sensitivity is increasingly prioritized. Ballard, who previously served as a long-time Olympic broadcaster for the BBC, has faced significant criticism for his remarks, which have been deemed out of touch with contemporary values regarding gender equality in sports. The swift action taken by Eurosport reflects a commitment to fostering a more respectful broadcasting environment.