Naga Munchetty has apologised for liking “offensive” tweets about a Government minister’s video call backdrop featuring the Union flag.
Munchetty had faced criticism from some online following an interview on Thursday in which she and her co-host Charlie Stayt drew attention to a large flag and picture of the Queen visible behind Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Ending the interview, Stayt said: “I think your flag is not up to standard size, Government interview measurements.
“I think it’s just a little bit small, but that’s your department really. It’s just a thought.”
Mr Jenrick, who was speaking via video call from Westminster, did not respond.
When the camera returned to the studio, Munchetty was seen attempting to stifle her laugher.
She added: “There’s always a flag. They had the picture of the Queen though. In the Westminster office I am assuming.”
Munchetty later apologised for liking a series of tweets that referenced their interview and the flag.
She wrote on Twitter: “I ‘liked’ tweets today that were offensive in nature about the use of the British flag as a backdrop in a government interview this morning. I have since removed these ‘likes’.
“This do not represent the views of me or the BBC. I apologise for any offence taken.”
The BBC declined to comment further.
She was rebuked by the BBC in 2019 after commenting on US president Donald Trump’s call for a group of female Democrats to “go back” to their own countries.
The corporation initially ruled that the presenter had breached editorial guidelines before then director-general Lord Tony Hall reversed the decision.
