BBC presenter Gary Lineker has issued a public apology after reposting an Instagram video on 13 May 2025 that featured antisemitic imagery. The clip, titled "Zionism explained in two minutes", included a rat emoji, a symbol historically associated with Nazi-era antisemitic propaganda. The post, which originated from a group called the Palestine Lobby, was removed after backlash, but screenshots circulated widely, prompting public outcry.

Lineker, who has 1.2 million Instagram followers, claimed he was unaware of the emoji’s meaning and said he would never knowingly share offensive material. In a follow-up statement, he said, "It goes against everything I believe in."

Jewish organisations including the Campaign Against Antisemitism and the Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the post, calling it “offensive, misleading, and harmful.” Critics have urged the BBC to take disciplinary action, with some arguing Lineker should be dismissed ahead of his planned departure from Match of the Day later this year.

The BBC declined direct comment, referring instead to its social media guidelines, which emphasise impartiality for high-profile presenters. This incident follows previous controversies involving Lineker’s online posts — including a suspension in 2023 for comparing UK asylum policy to Nazi Germany.

The backlash arrives as antisemitism in the UK reaches record levels, with watchdogs warning that public figures must take greater care in their messaging. Lineker’s defenders argue his intentions were humanitarian, but critics say “intent is not enough” when harm is caused.

This controversy continues to raise difficult questions about social media responsibility, free speech, and the limits of advocacy in public broadcasting, themes explored further in our media ethics coverage.

More from: BBC Lineker controversy · BBC media responsibility · Campaign Against Antisemitism