A celebration of South Korea’s 2-0 victory over Germany on Telemundo’s morning show “Un Nuevo Dia” has resulted in the suspension of two of the hosts.
South Korea’s big win on Wednesday helped Mexico advance to Round 16 of the World Cup, something certainly worth celebrating for fans of the team. But Telemundo has determined that two of its morning show hosts’ choice of celebratory poses were “inappropriate” and violated the network’s “values and standards.”
Yahoo Entertainment reports:
James Tahhan, better known as “Chef James,” and Janice Bencosme made racist and inappropriate “slant-eyed” gestures while laughing during the live Telemundo morning show. The rest of the panel, who were all sporting Mexico team gear, were laughing.
Both hosts posted apologies for their actions on social media, but that may not be enough to save their jobs. The network has issued a statement announcing Tahhan and Bencosme’s “indefinite suspension.”
“We are extremely disappointed with our morning show contributors James Tahhan’s and Janice Bencosme’s gestures referring to the South Korean national soccer team,” said the network. “Our company takes this type of inappropriate behavior very seriously as it is contrary to our values and standards. As a result, both James Tahhan and Janice Bencosme have been placed on an indefinite suspension.”
Tahhan apologized in a tweet for his “inappropriate and insensitive gesture” and expressed regret for creating division during something that should bring people together.
“During the celebration for the classification of Mexico, I made a mistake and made an inappropriate and insensitive gesture towards the Asian community,” wrote Tahhan. “It was a lack of sensitivity on my part. I admit that I did something wrong and wanted to apologize to anyone who was offended by it. The World Cup is a great opportunity to bring together friends, strangers, families and entire countries, and not to divide our communities.”
Bencosme likewise apologized for her behavior. “I want to apologize to the public for my behavior yesterday after the game between Mexico and South Korea,” she wrote Bencosme. “My gesture, besides being inappropriate, was offensive to the Asian community. I was wrong and I want to offer my sincere apologies.”