BBC Pulls Trailer And Issues Statement Following Backlash From Oscar Pistorius Documentary

The BBC has pulled a trailer for its upcoming documentary series The Trials of Oscar Pistorius after facing a backlash by failing to name Reeva Steenkamp.

The BBC shared a statement apologising and saying the old trailer would be replaced by 'something more representative of the series'.

Model Ms Steenkamp was shot and killed by her boyfriend Pistorius at his home on Valentine's Day in 2013. She was 29.

Pistorius was convicted of her murder in 2015.

In a statement, the BBC said: "We have removed the trail for The Trials of Oscar Pistorius that was posted on social media earlier today.

"We regret that the original trail did not refer to Reeva Steenkamp directly.

"We are aware of the upset it has caused, which was never the intention. We have removed the trail and it will be replaced by something more representative of the series, which examines in detail a number of complex issues connected to her murder."

Social media users slammed the trailer after it was released, with one person posting: "Every three hours a woman is murdered in South Africa, yet the BBC wants to tell us that Oscar Pistorius was some kind of misunderstood hero.

BBC

"In a two min trailer Reeva Steenkamp's name was not mentioned once. Do better BBC."

Another wrote: "Reeva Steenkamp. That's the name of the woman this 'remarkable' man murdered. Reeva's life was not just a side plot in his story. She had her own story.

"You didn't mention her name here, so I thought - along with all the other commentators, I would."

While a third said: "Reeva Steenkamp Was a human being whose life was snuffed out. She should not be forgotten or erased. Bad call BBC."

The BBC will still be airing the documentary, which is set to be released on Saturday 7 November.

PA

Director Director, Daniel Gordon said: "The story of Oscar Pistorius is remarkable in its complexity. It's at once inspirational and harrowing, and provides a lens of insight into a breadth of issues - from gender-based violence to disability rights, racial inequality and media frenzy.

"My hope is that the film gives audiences additional context and layers to a story they think they know."

Topics: TV and Film

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19