Adele’s ‘finger salute’ ruffles a few feathers
LONDON: Singer Adele had the tabloid press up in arms and TV executives running for cover over a middle-finger gesture after her moment in the sun at British pop’s biggest awards was cut short for programming reasons.
The 23-year-old was midway through an acceptance speech at the packed O2 Arena in London after picking up the big prize – best British album for her chart-conquering 21.
But because the show was running late, and was being broadcast live on ITV, presenter James Corden stepped in to cut Adele short, prompting the “one finger salute”.
The Sun newspaper had a picture of the gesture on its front page above the headline “Someone dislikes you”, referring to her hit Someone Like You. The Mirror featured a similar image accompanied by the words “Adele: Go to hell!”
Speaking backstage after the show, Adele said she was upset by the interruption: “I flipped the finger but it wasn’t to my fans. I’m sorry if I offended anyone, it was the suits that offended me.”
The incident comes just a couple of weeks after US television network NBC and the NFL apologised for an offensive finger gesture made by British rapper MIA during Madonna’s televised show at the Super Bowl.
ITV and the BRIT Awards issued apologies following the show, which ended on a sour note after what had been another triumphant night for Adele. Fresh from her six-grammy haul in the US earlier this month and return to live performing after surgery on her vocal cords, Adele won two BRITS – best British female and best British album.
“Nothing makes me prouder than coming home with six Grammys, then coming to the BRITS and winning album of the year,” she said.
“I’m so proud to be British and to be flying the flag and I’m so proud to be in the room with all of you.” At that point she was cut short, prompting boos in the crowd. – Reuters