BBC sorry for Bartoli not 'looker' remarks
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A leading BBC sports presenter was deluged by a barrage of criticism on Saturday after he lambasted Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli for not being "a looker".
The BBC was forced to apologise after John Inverdale made his remarks on a radio programme following the Frenchwoman's 6-1, 6-4 win over Germany's Sabine Lisicki in the women's singles final.
Inverdale reportedly told listeners: "Do you think Bartoli's dad told her when she was little, 'You're never going to be a looker, you'll never be a Sharapova, so you have to be scrappy and fight'?
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The BBC issued a rapid apology.
"We accept that this remark was insensitive and for that we apologise," said a spokesman.
Bartoli, 28, shrugged off the incident.
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"It doesn't matter, honestly. I am not blonde, yes. That is a fact. Have I dreamt about having a model contract? No. I'm sorry.
"But have I dreamed about winning Wimbledon? Absolutely, yes."
Inverdale insisted that he had meant his remarks to be light-hearted and said he was a great admirer of the French player who won her first Grand Slam title in her 47th major appearance.
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"She is an incredible role model for people who aren't born with all the attributes of natural athletes," he said.