Samantha Armytage: TV Reporter Congratulates Twin For Being White, Sparks Outrage [Video]
British reporter Samantha Armytage is in hot water for a seemingly offensive comment she made during a segment that aired last month. According to Metro, the Sunrise segment titled “Twins Turning Heads” has done just that for more reasons than you’d think. Apparently, the Sunrise commentator congratulated a mixed-race twin for being white and viewers definitely aren’t pleased.
The non-identical “one-in-a-million” twins, Maria and Lucy, have garnered lots of attention for their unique anomaly. Although they are of mixed heritage, one looks African American and the other looks white. Their astounding physical features captured the attention of thousands of viewers. However, that’s not all viewers noticed. Armytage’s comment also garnered lots of unwanted attention. While describing the twins’ appearance, Armytage stated that Maria’s features resembled their mother, but she complimented Lucy for fair skin, which she inherited from their father.
“The Aylmer twins come from a mixed race family in the UK. Maria has taken after her half-Jamaican mum with dark skin, brown eyes and curly, dark hair, but Lucy got her dad’s fair skin – good on her! – along with straight red hair and blue eyes,” Armytage said.
The extremely awkward moment in the interview even caught the attention of Armytage’s co-host, David Koch. Based on the footage, it’s quite obvious he was also taken aback by the questionable statement. The controversial clip has even been highlighted and shared on several social media networks and has gone viral on Facebook.
Many viewers have had no reservations about sharing their disapproval over Armytage’s comment. Some have even accused her of being racist. The overwhelming public response has been so negative, a petition was launched on Change.org demanding Armytage issue a statement of apology to the twins, reports Daily Mail. The petition has received more than 4,000 signatures.
However, Sunrise has defended Armytage and refuted the claims. A statement of response has been released in reference to the allegations. Sunrise producer, Michael Pell has also spoken out in Armytage’s defense.
“Regular members of the Sunrise audience or anyone who has seen the clip in full will know that Sam was taking a dig at herself. She frequently jokes about the fair skin that runs in her family and difficult it can be to manage in extreme environments.”
“Sam has always admitted that her own fair complexion was a disadvantage in the Australian environment, Pell said We apologize if anyone misunderstood or if they were offended.”
Due to the overwhelming response, Armytage has also released a statement of apology. She has also clarified that she is not racist. “I would be mortified if anyone thought I would say or think anything racist. It’s not in my nature. To anyone who I might have offended, I’m sorry.”
[Image via YouTube Screen Capture]
