An ABC7 Los Angeles reporter has apologized after her “insensitive” FIFA World Cup remarks about Bosnia and Herzegovina went viral — with the fallout taking an ungainly twist after the nationwide group identified ABC Information President Almin Karamehmedovic is from there.
In an Instagram put up, ABC’s Abigail Vélez wrote, “In a poor effort to have slightly enjoyable with World Cup competitors, I took it too far and made a inconsiderate touch upon air that was insensitive and inappropriate.”
She adopted up with an apology to each the folks of Bosnia and the Bosnia and Herzegovina nationwide soccer group.
Abigail Vélez was presenting ABC7 Eyewitness Information from a World Cup watch get together in Lengthy Seashore on Thursday, the place the US had simply misplaced 3–2 to Turkey.
Whereas previewing Group USA’s upcoming World Cup match in opposition to Bosnia-Herzegovina, she launched right into a spirited protection of the Individuals.
“One factor about Bosnia, I couldn’t level out the place it’s on a map,” Vélez mentioned.
She continued: “I don’t know the very first thing about Bosnia and I don’t wish to know as a result of Group USA, we’re again, we’re higher than ever.
“Get ready Bosnia, since you don’t need it like that, however you’re gonna get it.”
The feedback rapidly drew a response from Bosnia’s soccer group, which is competing in its second-ever males’s World Cup as an impartial nation.
“My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves,” the group’s official X account posted in a message that has since been seen greater than 11 million occasions.
The group doubled down within the feedback, mentioning that ABC Information President Karamehmedovic is Bosnian earlier than including: “The worst half is the boldness that she mentioned this with!”
They later shared her apology as an replace to its authentic put up, with the controversy splitting social media customers.
Some dismissed Vélez’s remarks as innocent sports activities banter, whereas others blasted them as ignorant and insensitive.
“The World Cup is meant to be about uniting communities all over the world, and my remark didn’t mirror that spirit.
“Wishing all of the groups the easiest as they proceed their World Cup journey,” her assertion concluded.
Almin Karamehmedovic is from Sarajevo and was appointed president of ABC Information in 2024.
“I strategy this position with nice respect and humility, not just for the a whole bunch of colleagues all over the world whose tireless contributions gasoline ABC Information’ unwavering and unbiased reporting, but additionally for the viewers we serve,” Karamehmedovic mentioned on the time.
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