John Humphrys SLAMMED for ‘disgraceful’ Johanna Konta interview: 'Are you British?'
JOHN HUMPHRYS has faced an angry backlash today after grilling Johanna Konta on her nationality.
John Humphrys Johanna Konta interview BBC Radio 4 Twitter Wimbledon
John Humphrys questions Johanna Konta about nationality
During an interview on Radio 4’s Today programme, the broadcaster got a number of facts wrong about the tennis player, who rose to world number four last week.
The 73-year-old was branded “patronising” and “disgraceful” before being told to grow-up by listeners on Twitter.
John, who is known for his grilling of politicians, came under fire after asking whether she was truly British.
The journalist stated: “We talk about you as being British but you were born in Hungary, Australian citizenship.
John Humphrys was slammed for his interview with Johanna Konta today
John Humphrys asked Johanna Konta about her nationality
Normally people wouldn’t look at you and say, 'Ah she is a future champion'
“I seem to remember that the Australian High Commissioner when you won the [Wimbledon] quarter-final said, ‘Great to see an Aussie wi,n’ and we were saying, ‘Great to see a Brit win’ - so what are you?”
The 26-year-old laughed before replying: “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.
“I’m incredibly proud to represent Great Britain… I’ve represented Britain in the Olympics so I’m definitely a British athlete.”
John went on to point out that she was “the 388th best junior in Australia”, telling her: “Normally people wouldn’t look at you and say, ‘Ah she is a future champion’.”
John Humphrys was slammed on Twitter
Johanna Konta was praised for her reaction
Johanna then corrected him: “That’s not entirely accurate. I won the under 12s nationals in Australia when I was a youngster. I was definitely one of the best in the country.
Those at home took to Twitter in their droves to comment on John’s chat, with one user tweeted: “What the hell is with John Humphrys’ belittling interrogation of Johanna Konta?!Disgraceful. Show some respect man.”
Another stated: “Note to John Humphrys: Johanna Konta isn’t a politician. She is a tennis player that brought joy to millions during Wimbledon. Grow up.”
A third wrote: “JH Konta: patronising, lazy, ill-informed, ungenerous. If he can’t be bothered, take him off air.”