TV Hosts Suspended for Racist Gestures After World Cup Match
IDIOTS
Telemundo presenters were celebrating South Korea’s win over Germany.
Dylan Martinez / Reuters
Two hosts on U.S. Spanish-language network Telemundo have been suspended after making racist gestures while celebrating South Korea’s win over Germany in the World Cup. The shock win meant that Mexico, which was in the same group, advanced in the competition. In a celebratory dance on set, the two presenters were seen pulling their eyes to look slanted and the same gesture was posted by several Mexican fans on Twitter in a misguided attempt to thank South Korea. Telemundo, which is part of NBC, put out a statement saying it was “extremely disappointed” in the two presenters, James Tahhan and Janice Bencosme, who have been placed on an indefinite suspension.“Our company takes this type of inappropriate behavior very seriously as it is contrary to our values and standards,” said the statement. Both have since apologized on Twitter.