BBC forced to defend hiring Nick Kyrgios for Wimbledon coverage after MP told them to ‘hang their heads in shame’
THE BBC have defended their decision to hire Nick Kyrgios as a Wimbledon pundit after coming under fire from an MP.
Kyrgios, 28, has been working for the broadcaster, as well as US network ESPN, this week at the Championships.
The Aussie was hired by the Beeb after impressing with previous punditry work on Tennis Channel and Eurosport.
Conservative MP Caroline Nokes has slammed the BBC‘s decision to appoint Kyrgios, calling it a “disgrace”.
The women and equalities committee chair, 52, said: “The BBC should hang its head in shame at this appointment.
“It’s a disgrace and shows the utter contempt our national broadcaster has towards women.
“Not content with consistently underpaying their own female staff and forcing out women once they hit a certain age, they now bring a man who admitted assaulting a woman on board for Wimbledon.”
Last year, Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari in 2021.
A Canberra court heard that the former Wimbledon finalist pushed onto the pavement during an argument.
Kyrgios was not handed a criminal record.
In a statement released at the time, he said: “I was not in good place when this happened and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret.
“I know it wasn’t okay and I’m sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused.”
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Defending their decision to hire Kyrgios, the BBC said in a statement: “As a current and high profile player, Nick Kyrgios will provide insight and analysis of the action on the court from his experience in the game.
“We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviours, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only.
“He has provided similar services to other major sports broadcasters in recent months.
“The legal process he was involved in has concluded, is well documented, and he has spoken about it publicly.”
Kyrgios called his first match for the BBC on Monday, being on the mic for defending champion Carlos Alcaraz‘s first round clash with Mark Lajal.
Despite forging a promising media career, which has included launching his own podcast, Kyrgios has not retired from tennis.
He has played one match since October 2022, having suffered with knee, foot and wrist injuries.
The big-serving star hopes to return later this year, and is targeting the US Open as a possibility.
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
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If you are experiencing domestic violence or someone you know is there are groups that can help.
Refuge runs a free, 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.
You can also visit the website or contact Women’s Aid.