Senior BBC editor Jon Sopel makes crude joke that has Twitter users cringeing as he suggests new book by colleague Emily Maitlis is ‘in a 69 with a Short History of Europe’ in shop display
- Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis shared a photo of a selection of books including her own, and a Leonard Cohen book, with the caption: ‘I love lying next to… Cohen’
- But Jon Sopel left twitter users cringing with a crude joke about ’69ing’ in reply
- Reception to the BBC editor’s innuendo was mixed, with many accusing him of being crude while others joked the HR department were already chasing him up
BBC North America editor Jon Sopel raised eyebrows today, when he made a crude joke in reply to an Emily Maitlis tweet.
Newsnight’s Maitlis shared a photo of a selection of books including her own, titled Airhead, and a Leonard Cohen book, titled Flame, with the caption: ‘I love lying next to Leonard Cohen #Airhead.’
But Sopel left twitter users cringing when he replied: ‘Maitlis, you flatter yourself. I think you are more in a 69 with a Short History of Europe,’ referring to the book opposite her’s and Cohen’s.
Maitlis had shared a photo of a selection of books including her own, titled Airhead, and a Leonard Cohen book, titled Flame, with the caption: ‘I love lying next to Leonard Cohen #Airhead’
But BBC North America Editor Jon Sopel left twitter users cringing when he replied: ‘Maitlis, you flatter yourself. I think you are more in a 69 with a Short History of Europe,’ referring to the book opposite her’s and Cohen’s
Reception to the senior BBC editor’s innuendo was mixed, with many accusing him of being crude while others joked the HR department were already chasing him up.
It is understood that the long-time colleagues are also good friends. However, BBC viewers flocked to twitter to have their say about the tongue-in-cheek remark.
Robert Arthur said: ‘Be prepared for a spate of indignity from people, Jon. Personally I think it’s hilarious and proves that BBC journalists have a good bead on things (not to mention, an enlightened sex life.’
Another replied: ‘BBC HR dept we’re calling for you, I said you’d just nipped out for a coffee – run Jon, RUN!!’
Reception to the senior BBC editor’s innuendo was mixed, with many accusing him of being crude while others joked the HR department were already chasing him up
Jon Wensley put it down to friendly joshing among friends, writing: ‘Think you might find that Jon and Emily know each other well enough for this banter!’
Adding: ‘Think folks need to chill out a bit ! We need a good laugh at this moment.’
Penny Andrews was outraged, writing: ‘Delete your account and career’ and another said: ‘Bit vile.’
Jon Wensley put it down to friendly joshing among friends, writing: ‘Think you might find that Jon and Emily know each other well enough for this banter!’
Louise Crocker said: ‘Perhaps you and Emily are very good friends and can speak to each like this in private – but this is not an ok way to speak to a female colleague in public.’
Paul Holdsworth: ‘Between themselves it might well be fine, but in public…’
Another said: ‘Wow! A bit saucy.’
MailOnline approached the BBC for comment.