Many are questioning the future of a BBC Radio One DJ after she was pulled off air and told to 'have some respect' over her comment on a show.
The incident happened during the Dance Anthems Ibiza show, with Arielle Free being cut off by her colleague for the off-the-cuff remark.
Appearing alongside host Charlie Hedges, the pair chatted about the latest releases making waves in Balearic Isle.
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While their chat was mostly playful, Free made the mistake of criticising a track by Stream MCR-T & horsegiirL called ‘My Barn, My Rules’ during Saturday’s show (July 29).
Hitting out at the song’s lyrics, the Radio One DJ joked: “Can I be honest with you Charlie?... I expected better of you... I don't like this song."
The off-the-cuff remark would soon land her in hot water though, with Free adding that she ‘hated’ the recent release.
Trying to cover the momentary mistake, Hedges then tried to then brush off the incident, saying: “Sorry I’m taking your mic down, it’s my show Arielle, have some respect please. See you later. Get out of here.”
At the time, Free had spent less than a minute on air.
Free is still set to appear back on the radio next week, but hasn't appeared on the schedule this week.
As speculation mounts though, the BBC has released a statement about the incident.
It read: “Whilst we would not comment on individual matters, we have strict codes of behaviour for staff and presenters, and any breaches are taken extremely seriously.”
On Twitter, fans have also been reacting to the incident.
Shortly after the show aired, one user wrote: “@ariellefree @ahj that was awful, Charlie did well to shut you down. Any other job and you would be fired!”
Another added: “Show some respect Arielle Free @BBCR1. Well done @charliehedges.”
However, some listeners have leapt to the DJ’s defence with one arguing that Free had been ‘cancelled for hating Horsegiirl’.
Other users agreed, with many frustrated about Free’s absence from the airwaves in recent days, with one calling her 'one of the most talented DJs around today’.
In addition to her work on Radio One, the presenter also hosted the Love Island: The Morning After podcast – which centred around the ITV dating show.
LADbible has contacted Free’s representatives for comment.
Katherine Sidnell