BBC pundit ‘spoken to’ by bosses after ‘breaking strict protocol’ live on TV during Olympics coverage
DAME LAURA KENNY has reportedly been spoken to by BBC bosses after breaking strict guidelines by promoting luxury brands while live on air.
The 32-year-old legendary former track and road cyclist was accused of promoting Breitling watches and Reiss dresses during her punditry role at the Olympics.
The BBC strictly prohibit their on-screen talent from promoting brands while appearing on air.
Dame Laura, a Breitling brand “ambassador” appeared on air wearing a £2,750 watch from the company and also tagged the brand in a post on social media.
The former cyclist also tagged clothing brand Reiss in several other Instagram posts but does not have a commercial relationship with them.
Breitling posted a photo of Kenny during her time working at the BBC for the Olympics and wrote: “Ambassador Laura Kenny looking gorgeous in the Endurance Pro 38.”
Kenny also posted a picture of her interviewing husband Jason while wearing a Breitling watch on her Instagram, with the company then commenting a clapping hands emoji.
She has since removed mention of brands from her social media posts relating to her time at the BBC.
It is not known whether Dame Laura bought the items herself or they were given to her as gifts.
The Telegraph report that the BBC bosses have spoken to Kenny to remind her of the company’s rules around advertising.
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BBC guidelines state: “No on-air talent should promote products, goods, services or clothing they use on air.” This includes anything they have “agreed, or been contracted, to promote or in which they have financial interest.”
A BBC source told The Mirror: “She is no longer on air but will be removing the tags from BBC-related posts.”
It comes after Gary Lineker found himself in hot water over BBC guidelines when presenting during the Euros this summer.
He was alleged to have broken BBC guidelines by wearing his own range of Next menswear while live on-air during England‘s opening Euros game.
Lineker was sporting a pale green T-shirt and sage jacket from his collection with Next while presenting coverage of the England vs Serbia game.
The broadcaster launched his clothing line with the high street retailer in 2023 and models for the range online.
Dame Laura Kenny has been approached for comment.