In a scandalous social media slip-up, BBC Radio 4 presenter David Aaronovitch has caused a storm by suggesting that President Joe Biden should have former President Donald Trump “murdered.” Yes, you read that right.
The shocking comment came in a now-deleted X post (formerly Twitter) where Aaronovitch wrote, “If I was Biden, I’d hurry up and have Trump murdered on the basis that he is a threat to America’s security.” He topped it off with the hashtag #SCOTUS, linking his outburst to the recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.
The 6-3 Supreme Court decision granted Trump immunity for any “official acts” during his presidency. However, the ruling left much to the imagination regarding what qualifies as an “official act.”
Unsurprisingly, Aaronovitch’s incendiary post sparked outrage. Critics quickly condemned his remarks as a blatant breach of the BBC’s strict rules on employee impartiality. “This is a serious lapse in judgment,” one Twitter user fumed.
Caught in the fire, Aaronovitch deleted the post, explaining in a follow-up, “I deleted it because people interpreted it as inciting violence rather than seeing it purely as satire.” But not everyone bought his defense. GB News contributor Alex Armstrong accused him of “backtracking” on the advice of his “handlers.”
In a snappy retort, Aaronovitch shot back, “Ooh Alex, tell me about my ‘handlers’.” The BBC, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped about the debacle, leaving many to wonder if Aaronovitch will face any consequences.
There’s now a far right pile on suggesting that my tweet about the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity is an incitement to violence when it’s plainly a satire. So I’m deleting it. If nothing else though it’s given me a map of some the daftest people on this site.
— David Aaronovitch (@DAaronovitch) July 1, 2024
This isn’t the first time Aaronovitch has courted controversy. Known for his strong opinions, he’s never shied away from stirring the pot. But this latest episode has taken things to a whole new level.
Whether or not Aaronovitch intended his comment as satire, the damage is done. Social media was ablaze with reactions, with some calling for his resignation and others demanding a public apology.
One thing’s for sure: David Aaronovitch has landed himself in hot water, and only time will tell how—or if—he’ll manage to wiggle his way out. For now, the BBC presenter’s bold move has left the public divided and the broadcaster in a rather awkward spot.
Will the BBC come to Aaronovitch’s defense, or will they wash their hands of the whole affair? Only time will tell.
