BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty had to apologise to a guest live on air after a mix-up.
The presenter was back on the red sofa with Charlie Stayt on Thursday (January 2), delivering the morning news to the nation. The pair reported on a tragic incident in New Orleans where at least 15 people were killed and 30 injured after an individual deliberately drove a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year on Bourbon Street.
The driver has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and the FBI have stated that they do not believe Jabbar acted alone in the attack, appealing to the public for help.
The FBI is currently investigating Jabbar’s possible links to terrorist organisations. They also revealed that a potential improvised explosive device was found in the truck, with other potential IEDs discovered in the French Quarter.
Naga Munchetty on BBC Breakfast
(Image: (Image: BBC))
Naga interviewed eyewitness Scott Nelson, who was inside a nearby nightclub when the attack occurred. However, things didn’t go smoothly when the TV host seemed to get confused.
Welcoming Scott via video link, Naga said: “Scott, hello to you. I know you are not in New Orleans now but you were there. Can you just tell me what you knew as the incident was happening because you were inside a nightclub.”
He responded: “Good Morning, I actually am still in New Orleans. The scene is directly behind me. I was in a nightclub probably 30 metres or so from the scene where the truck crashed and immediately we saw people fleeing the scene and law enforcement running towards it.”
Naga added: “It’s very clear that you are still shaken and you are still in the city of New Orleans now, my apologies.”
Scott Nelson appeared on BBC Breakfast
(Image: (Image: BBC))
Scott then proceeded to recount his “frightening” experience and outlined the measures that were implemented during the incident.
This follows Naga’s recent announcement of a career shift after a decade of hosting BBC Breakfast. The 49 year old presenter took to Instagram to inform her followers that she will be releasing a new book, It’s Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women’s Health Crisis, in April of the coming year.
The book is based on Naga’s own lengthy and difficult journey to being diagnosed with Adenomyosis, a disorder of the womb, after suffering for three decades.
In addition, Naga shares narratives from other women who have encountered different obstacles within the healthcare system.