A news reporter tried to encourage everyone to show support for the LGBTQ+ community by attending a local Pride event but struggled to articulate her positive message and used an anti-gay slur instead.
Instead of telling viewers to wave their Pride flags, she accidentally told them to wave their "f*gs."
Despite her immediate effort in correcting herself, there was no coming back from this.
You can watch the viral TikTok video shared by @ohyoursoartdeco.
Sympathetic viewers responding to the innocent slip-up had plenty to say.
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
@Ohyouresoartdeco/TikTok
A social media user claiming to know the reporter responded to those who theorized what happened was an example of a Freudian slip.
YouTuber André Roque clarified:
"I just wanna say I’m part of the LGBTQ community, and this is my best friend Valentina. She’s an ally! Talk, Valentina."
It seems to be a common snafu, as another user shared:
"My dad made this mistake when talking about me teaching him about the trans flag lmaooo."
In 2013, reporter Bill Lunn of Minneapolis's KSTP TV, committed the same slip of the tongue while reciting the first line of the Pledge of Allegiance after reporting on a story about boy scouts.
The unrelated segment cut to a different story involving the Twin Cities Pride celebration.
Lunn issued a statement of apology, saying:
“I want to sincerely apologize for stumbling over the word flag on Tuesday’s late newscast. What came out of my mouth was a word I never use."
He added:
“I celebrate the diversity of our great state and am horrified that I may have offended people. I humbly ask for your forgiveness."
“Because I know what’s in my heart. It was an embarrassing slip of the tongue. Nothing more. Those who know me, know that.”