Eurosport broadcaster Bob Ballard apologizes after being pulled from Olympics coverage for sexist remark

Eurosport broadcaster Bob Ballard took to social media on Monday to issue an apology after an ill-advised comment during a women’s swimming event led to the network pulling him from coverage at the Paris Olympics.

During an update on the Games at large, Ballard made light of the fact that the women’s 4×100 race wasn’t yet finished. The attempt at a joke was not well received.

“Well, the women are just finishing up. You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their makeup,” Ballard said.

Ballard’s broadcast partner, Lizzie Simmonds, reportedly took offense to his comment, calling it “outrageous” on the same broadcast. The broadcaster wrote his apologies on X on Monday, noting that he hopes fans don’t “pile in on” Simmonds.

“The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence,” Ballard posted. “It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport.

“I shall miss the Eurosport team, dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics. No further comment will be issued. Thank you.”

Eurosport broadcaster takes heat for sexist comment at Olympics

On Saturday, several Aussies across social media criticized Ballard for his remarks, and Eurosport itself even released an official statement.

“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” Eurosport said, per The Independent. “To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”

Now Eurosport will continue its coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics Games without Bob Ballard.

Paris Olympic organizers explain Feast of the Gods segment

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games was quite a sight, with a unique entry for the athletes as they cruised down the river Seine. Along the way were numerous nods to various European works of art, but the evening wasn’t without its controversy.

A sketch seemingly parodying Leonardo da Vinci‘s “The Last Supper” painting drew immediate and harsh criticism from the Catholic Church and other religious bodies. Organizers apologized for the depiction.

“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group,” Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps said at a press conference, according to Reuters. “(The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance. … We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry.”

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.