"What was her big intake of breath for?"
BBC News presenter Geeta Guru-Murthy sparked controversy after she was accused of “hissing” when Christian rapper DC3 said his biggest hero is Jesus Christ.
During an interview with the 18-year-old musician, who has just been nominated for his first two MOBO awards, Ms Guru-Murthy asked who his heroes are.
DC3 replied: “Santan Dave, Kendrick Lamar, most of all Jesus Christ.”
Following his response, Ms Guru-Murthy appeared to take a loud intake of air, which some likened to a “hissing” noise.
It is unclear whether this was in reaction to his answer or simply the presenter preparing to wrap up the segment.
DC3 appeared on BBC News after receiving nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act at the MOBO Awards.
While many of DC3’s followers praised him for mentioning Jesus on air, some criticised Ms Guru-Murthy’s reaction.
Several accused her of “hissing” and alleged the BBC is “anti-Christian”.
One viewer said: “What was her big intake of breath for?”
A second added: “I’m not a religious dude, but why did she just suck the air in through her teeth when he said Jesus Christ?”
However, others poked fun at the BBC’s impartiality rules, with one comment reading:
“Other profits and/or gods are available.”
The full MOBO nominations list was released on January 15, with Olivia Dean and Little Simz leading with four nominations each.
The 2026 ceremony will take place on March 26 at Manchester’s Co-op Live, marking the first time the event has been held in the city as part of MOBO’s 30th anniversary.
DC3’s interview is not the first time Geeta Guru-Murthy has sparked controversy among viewers.
JESUS CHRIST ON BBC NEWS pic.twitter.com/vmNfmlfEYQ
— DC3 (@dc3media) January 16, 2026
In 2024, she issued an on-air apology for failing to meet “the BBC’s editorial standards on impartiality” over comments about Nigel Farage.
She had accused the politician of using “customary inflammatory language” after a clip of him speaking at a Reform UK event in Dover.
Ms Guru-Murthy said: “Earlier today we heard live from Nigel Farage, speaking at that election event we just saw.
“When we came away from his live speech, I used language to describe it which didn’t meet the BBC’s editorial standards on impartiality.
“I’d like to apologise to Mr Farage and viewers for this.”
Following the incident, Reform UK’s Lee Anderson called for the presenter to be sacked, saying: “Shocking stuff here from the BBC. Time to scrap the licence and sack the lot of ’em.”
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