China paid tribute this morning, April 4, to those who died of coronavirus - AP / SIPA

He probably thought that his microphone was off or that no one would hear his whispers ... The economic journalist of BFMTV, Emmanuel Lechypre, caused an outcry on social networks this Saturday. Commenting on the ceremony of homage to the victims of the coronavirus which took place on Saturday morning in China, he joked that the people present, who bowed their heads in sign of meditation, "buried Pokémon".

Words deemed "racist" which shocked many Internet users. The sequence went viral in a few minutes on social media. The hashtag # Pokémon even ranked this morning in the top 5 of trending topics on Twitter, that is to say the most commented subjects on the social network.

"They bury #pokemon", amuse the journalists of BFMTV during the meditation of the Chinese.

It is as racist as it is unworthy. Bravo.pic.twitter.com/wVuS0XBUC2

- Sam 🛑 (@Sam_Arrive_Pas) April 4, 2020

"What a shame to make humor of the misfortune of others"

Many Internet users have expressed their indignation. "Shame on BFMTV for the racism and the total disrespect of the victims" or "What a shame to make humor on the unhappiness of others and for a minute of silence in addition", tweeted some Twitter users.

What the fuck is #Pokemon doing there. No, but this is a shame on BFM for racism and the total lack of respect of the victims. https://t.co/UD84fr90OP

- Yüna: Petit Breton 56 (@breton_petit) April 4, 2020

Others even called for the resignation of the journalist, explaining that "some had already been dismissed for less than that! "

Outside Emmanuel Lechypres BFMTV you must fire him. #Pokemon # Pokémons pic.twitter.com/jN1lOPRWMa

- mop_pacha (@LePaChaa) April 4, 2020

"I sincerely apologize"

Net surfers also indicated having carried out a report with the CSA. “Okay, I sent a CSA report regarding #BFMTV in relation to the comments on # Pokémon. Do not hesitate to do the same: https://csa.fr/Mes-services/Alertez-nous-sur-un-programme2… It was at 9:17 am in the first weekend and is, in my opinion, ethical. information, ”tweeted a viewer.

Well, I sent a CSA report concerning #BFMTV compared to the comments on #Pokemon. Do not hesitate to do the same: https://t.co/iRzA8CBROF
It was at 9:17 am in the first weekend and is, in my opinion, ethical information.

- night_saryx (@night_saryx) April 4, 2020

In reaction to the wave of indignation on social networks, the journalist Emmanuel Lechypre publicly apologized. “This morning on BFM TV I allowed myself a completely inappropriate remark during the broadcasting of a tribute to the victims of the virus in China. These inappropriate comments were broadcast on the air when I thought the microphones were closed. I sincerely apologize, ”said the reporter.

BFMTV would like to extend its sincere apologies to the viewers following the involuntary broadcast of remarks totally out of place on the set this morning https://t.co/WgkFM8rjbv

- BFMTV (@BFMTV) April 4, 2020

The channel also apologized to viewers, emphasizing the inappropriate nature of the remarks.

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  • Social media
  • Internet users
  • Twitter
  • Racism
  • BFM TV
  • China
  • Tribute
  • Pokemon
  • Covid 19
  • Coronavirus