TV anchor’s slur on Dikshit unfortunate, says Hooper
By IANSFriday, October 8, 2010
NEW DELHI - Mike Hooper, the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Games, Friday said the comments made live by a New Zealand TV anchor about Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were “unfortunate”.
“An apology has been made. Reports tell us that he has been suspended. But unfortunate comments have been made (by the reporter),” Hooper said in reaction to the anchor’s comment which prompted the external affairs ministry to summon New Zealand envoy Rupert Holborow.
Rupert Holborow Thursday offered apologies to Lata Reddy, Secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry.
Earlier this week, New Zealand TV anchor Paul Henry made fun of Dikshit’s name, telling viewers how it should be pronounced. He also made derogatory remarks about Indians.
A furious Indian government asked New Zealand to take immediate “demonstrative action” against the journalist. A strong demarche was issued to the New Zealand envoy. The anchor who also made racist comment on New Zealand’s Governor-General Anand Satyanand was suspended.
