BBC Radio 4 presenter John Humphrys has sparked criticism after questioning Johanna Konta’s status as a British athlete.
Konta was being interviewed on the Today Programme when Humphrys challenged the world No.4 about her nationality. Konta was born in Australia to Hungarian parents, but have lived in the UK since the age of 14. Discussing Konta’s background, the 73-year-old caused outrage when he asked her to explain ‘what she is.’
“We talk about you as being British but you were born in Hungary, Australian citizenship, and I seem to remember that the Australian High Commissioner when you won the quarter-final said ‘Great to see an Aussie win’ and we were saying ‘Great to see a Brit win’ – so what are you?” Humphrys said during the interview.
The timing of the question comes less than a week after Konta reach the semifinals at Wimbledon. Becoming the first British female to do so since Virginia Wade in 1978. During her Wimbledon campaign, Konta attracted a peak audience of over seven million on the BBC. Higher than the peak ratings for the men’s final between Roger Federer and Marin Cilic (6.5M).
Following her run at SW19, the 26-year-old has become the fourth British women in history to crack the top-five.
Responding to Humphrys, Konta replied with a measured and calm response. Insisting that she feels fully British.
“I was actually born in Australia to Hungarian parents but I’ve lived here for half my life now almost and I’m a British citizen and I’m incredibly proud to represent Great Britain…I’ve represented Britain in the Olympics so I’m definitely a British athlete.” Said the world No.4.
Konta has been living in the UK since 2005. Seven years later she became a British citizen in 2012 and said she ‘wanted GBR next to her name for a very long time’ during the US Open that year.
Humphrys has since been accused of xenophobia by users on social media. He is yet to respond to the criticism.
Note to John Humphrys: Johanna Konta isn’t a politician. She is a tennis player that brought joy to millions during Wimbledon. Grow up.
— Susie Harris (@susieharris19) 18 July 2017
What the hell is with John Humphrys’ belittling interrogation of Johanna Konta?! Disgraceful. Show some respect man! #r4today @BBCRadio4
— Travis James Bacon (@PoweredByBacon1) 18 July 2017
What an appalling interview with Jo Konta by John Humphrys. Very impressed with how she kept her cool and calm. #r4today
— Mark (@chislehurst) 18 July 2017
Does Jon Humphrys not like tennis or just having a grumpy morning? Not sure why he just eviscerated Johanna Konta #r4today
— SerenaKutchinsky (@SKutchinsky) 18 July 2017
*Very* weird John Humphrys interview with Konta in which he appeared to suggest that tennis star was too old and not British enough #r4today
— Alexi Mostrous (@AlexiMostrous) 18 July 2017
