A segment on BBC News has ignited significant online backlash after anchor Geeta Guru-Murthy reportedly reacted negatively when young musician DC3, whose real name is Daniel Chenjerai, named Jesus Christ as one of his heroes. The incident occurred during an interview on Saturday, when the 18-year-old artist listed his inspirations, which included well-known figures like Santan Dave and Kendrick Lamar.
Upon hearing “Jesus Christ,” Guru-Murthy’s audible reaction, described by viewers as a “hiss,” quickly led to widespread criticism on social media. Users on platform X expressed outrage, claiming that her response reflected a bias against Christianity. Prominent journalist Peter Lloyd commented, “BBC’s Geeta Guru-Murthy hisses at a man who says Jesus Christ is his hero. Imagine the outrage if this happened with Prophet Muhammad.”
The incident prompted various memes, with some comparing Guru-Murthy’s reaction to a vampire recoiling from light or depicting her as Golem from “The Lord of the Rings.” This reaction has fueled further debate about media sensitivity towards religious figures, particularly within the context of a diverse society.
DC3, who was on the broadcast to discuss his nominations for two 2026 MOBO Awards, responded to the incident via social media. In a post on X, he reaffirmed his belief, stating, “Jesus Christ is real,” and further declared, “The revolution will be televised in Jesus name.” His statements have resonated with many supporters, amplifying the discussion around the original interview.
In response to the criticism, Guru-Murthy defended herself, stating that her reaction was misinterpreted. “I’ve seen there’s some discussion about the end of my interview with DC3 this week. For the record, I was simply breathing in before moving to end the interview,” she clarified on X. “To suggest anything else is just untrue,” she added, tagging the BBC in her post.
A spokesperson for the BBC also addressed the controversy, categorically denying the accusation of bias. “This is categorically untrue,” they stated regarding the alleged hissing incident. The network’s response aims to quell the growing discontent among viewers who feel that the reaction may have crossed a line in professional journalism.
As the story continues to unfold, it highlights the ongoing conversation about media representation of faith and the responsibility of broadcasters to navigate sensitive topics with care.
