BBC News presenter Geeta Guru-Murthy has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after viewers accused her of making a "hissing" sound when rapper DC3 declared Jesus Christ his greatest hero.
The incident occurred during an interview with the young musician, who had been invited onto the programme following his MOBO award nominations.
When asked about his heroes, DC3 responded: "Santan Dave, Kendrick Lamar, most of all Jesus Christ."
Ms Guru-Murthy then drew a sharp breath, which numerous viewers interpreted as a negative reaction to his answer.
Geeta Guru-Murthy had been interviewing rapper DC3
|BBC
DC3, whose real name is Daniel Chenjerai, is an 18-year-old Christian rapper hailing from Northampton who has rapidly built a substantial online presence.
The artist boasts more than one million Instagram followers and has released tracks including I Know, No Disrespect and DC3's Prayer.
His appearance on BBC News came after receiving his first two nominations at the prestigious MOBO awards.
The young musician is up for recognition in both the Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act categories at this year's ceremony.
DC3 said Jesus Christ was his greatest hero
|BBC
He will compete against fellow rising talents including kwn, Jim Legxacy, Nia Smith, Skye Newman and EsDeeKid for the Best Newcomer prize.
The 2026 MOBO awards are scheduled for 26 March at Manchester's Co-op Live, marking the ceremony's 30th anniversary.
Following the interview, DC3 shared a clip of the exchange on his social media platforms with the caption: "JESUS CHRIST ON BBC NEWS."
He subsequently posted: "Jesus is Lord. God is good and thank you all for the love."
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Some BBC viewers accused Geeta Guru-Murthy of 'hissing' in response to the Jesus Christ comment
|BBC
While many supporters praised the rapper for mentioning his faith on national television, others directed criticism at the presenter's apparent reaction.
Several viewers accused Ms Guru-Murthy of "hissing" and claimed the broadcaster harbours anti-Christian sentiment.
"What was her big intake of breath for?" one viewer questioned.
Another remarked: "I'm not a religious dude, but why did she just suck the air in through her teeth when he said Jesus Christ?"
Some took a lighter approach, joking about BBC impartiality with comments such as: "Other profits [sic] and/or gods are available."
A BBC spokesperson firmly denied the allegations, telling MailOnline: "This story is categorically untrue."
This is not the first occasion Ms Guru-Murthy has attracted viewer criticism.
In 2024, she was forced to deliver an on-air apology after breaching the corporation's editorial standards on impartiality with remarks about Nigel Farage.
The presenter had described the Reform UK leader as using "customary inflammatory language" following footage from a party event in Dover.
Ms Guru-Murthy subsequently apologised to both Mr Farage and viewers for her choice of words.
Regarding the latest incident, a BBC source indicated that Ms Guru-Murthy was "simply taking a breath" before wrapping up the interview with DC3.