James Tahhan, a celebrity chef, reportedly apologized for a gesture he made while on air. (Twitter)
NBCUniversal’s Telemundo network reportedly suspended two of its morning show hosts over a racist gesture referencing the South Korea World Cup soccer team.
James Tahhan and Janice Bencosme were placed on indefinite suspension after making the gesture while they “celebrated” South Koreans’ 2-0 win against Germany, the Hollywood Reporter reported.
Tahhan, a celebrity chef, appeared to be first to make the eye gesture on the morning program “Un Nuevo Dia." He apologized later for his "lack of sensitivity."
"We are extremely disappointed with our morning show contributors James Tahhan's and Janice Bencosme's gestures referring to the South Korean national soccer team," a Telemundo statement read. "Our company takes this kind of inappropriate behavior very seriously, as it is contrary to our values and standards."
Tahhan’s gesture was not the first racial incident at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
At an opening game June 18, Mexican fans could be heard shouting anti-gay slurs during their team's 1-0 win over Germany. The chanting ceased after Mexican players urged their fans to stop.
Fox News' Bradford Betz contributed to this report.
Trending
Who's making headlines in television, music, movies and more from Hollywood to the Heartland.