[WATCH] – TV host called out for mispronouncing Dr Shola’s name

Television viewers in the United Kingdom (UK) witnessed one of the most akward moments captured live on air when political activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu basically forced presnter Dawn Neesom to pronounce her name correctly.

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All this unfolded during Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show which Neesom was guest hosting. Dr Shola, who is known for her fierce support of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as well as criticism of the British royal family, was part of a panel meant to talk about some of the day’s top stories.

Launching into the segment, Neesom, who is a former editor, started by introducing Dr Shola and said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joined by lawyer Dr Shola’ but then struggled to pronounce her surname and asked her ‘How do I pronounce your name Shola?’”

THE BLM ACTIVIST WAS NOT IMPRESSED

The Black Lives Matter activist was clearly not impressed and told the host to read her name out. Neesom gave it a try, but appeared to mispronounce it again, to which Dr Shola said: “This is terrible, especially from a presenter… Go back and start again,” and advised that she read it out phonetically.

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“Shola Mos Shog Mam Imu,” the host said, prompting her to say, “Do it again.”

Neesom replied: “Oh come on, I got the Shola right,” to which Dr Shola said “Do it again and do it phonetically”

But her attempts were still wrong and she ended up saying: “Shola, Shola welcome to the show!”

She then replied: “No you will say my name now read it phonetically.”

Dawn made what sounded to be nearly correct and Dr Shola said, “It’s Shogbamimu but well done.”

Infamous BLM Activist and Meghan Markle supporter Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu refuses to continue interview if the presenter cannot pronounce her name correctly. pic.twitter.com/TcLCkQGdsx

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 10, 2023

SOME PRAISE FOR DR SHOLA OVER AWKWARD TV MOMENT

There has been mixed reaction to the TV moment, which both the lawyer and Neesom have shared on social media, but the anti-racism activist has been praised for standing up for the correct pronunciation of her name.

“I love that she did this. And I love that she did it with so much grace,” said one viewer on Twitter.

Another viewer, who claimed to had had similar experiences with people not being able to pronounce their name, said:  “I get my surname pronounced wrong all the time. As a kid I let it go, now I correct people. It’s my name, say it properly.”

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This article was originally published by Thabo Baloyi.