BBC apologizes for playing Hendrix song after Pistorius report
The Jimi Hendrix Experience performs on Dutch television in 1967.
A word to the BBC: open mouth, insert foot.
The broadcasting company was forced to issue an apology today after one of its radio stations — BBC Radio 6 Music — played the Jimi Hendrix shooting song "Hey Joe" following a bulletin on Oscar Pistorius, Agence France-Press reported.
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Pistorius was charged today with premeditated murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, South African model Reeva Steenkamp.
Early reports suggest the Olympian may have been enraged over a text she received from an ex-boyfriend.
Originally recorded by The Leaves, the lyrics of "Hey Joe" revolve around a man name Joe who expresses an intent to shoot his "old lady" for "messing around with another man."
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A BBC spokesperson issue the following apology today, according to Gawker:
"In light of the nature of the news story, we apologise for any offence caused by the proximity of the song 'Hey Joe' to the bulletin," the statement read. "An on-air apology was made immediately the mistake was realised."
Defense attorneys have said the shooting was an accident, and that Pistorius mistook Steenkamp for an intruder.
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