Apologies issued by Gary Lineker for reposting an image containing a rat, linked to Zionism reference
In a recent apology, beloved presenter Gary Lineker acknowledged his mistake after sharing a questionable social media post. The 64-year-old star, known for his work on Match Of The Day, faced backlash for posting a rat-themed meme from the Palestine Lobby group with the caption "Zionism explained in two minutes."
Lineker swiftly addressed the controversy, stating in a statement, "I reposted material containing offensive references, which I deeply regret. I would never intentionally share anything antisemitic, as it contradicts my core beliefs. Upon learning about the image's symbolism, I promptly deleted the post."
Whilst Lineker stands firm in his commitment to speaking out on humanitarian issues, he acknowledges the importance of doing so in a considered manner. "I take full responsibility for this error," he adds. "That image does not reflect my views, and I offer an unreserved apology."
BBC Director General Tim Davie echoed Lineker's sentiments, stressing the significance of presenters upholding the BBC's values and adhering to its social media policy. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact mistakes can have on the reputation of the BBC.
Interestingly, rats have a darker history as a symbol in antisemitic propaganda, particularly in Nazi Germany during the 1930s. In these contexts, rats were used to dehumanize Jews, portraying them as pests or threats to society. This use of rats is a chilling reminder of the consequences of dehumanizing rhetoric.
Lineker's agent confirmed that the presenter removed the post the moment he became aware of its symbolism. In March 2023, Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC due to an impartiality row over his comments regarding the Conservative government's new asylum policy. Despite this, Lineker announced in November that he would step down from presenting Match Of The Day but will continue to host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.
Lineker's controversial post, though intended as a commentary on a political issue, unintentionally evoked troubling historical symbolism associated with antisemitism, similar to the use of rats in Nazi propaganda. In light of this incident, it's crucial for celebrities to exercise caution when sharing content, as entertainment and war of words can unexpectedly merge, potentially leading to unwanted repercussions and damaging one's reputation, as well as that of associated organizations.
