BBC responds to complaints over ‘irresponsible’ Novak Djokovic interview

The BBC has responded to complaints about a recent Novak Djokovic interview after some viewers claimed it was 'irresponsible' for the chat to air just weeks after he was forced to leave Australia over his vaccine status.

The tennis champion made headlines across the globe in January when he flew down under for the Australian Open after being granted a controversial medical exemption.

However, Djokovic was detained upon attempted entry to the country after failing to provide sufficient evidence for a Covid vaccine exemption. The world No 1 was eventually deported.

BBC then aired an interview with the sports star in which the 34-year-old spoke about his decision to not have the jab as well as discussing his high-profile deportation from Australia.

The broadcaster said it received complaints from viewers who believed the interview was given too much prominence and claimed it was 'irresponsible' to amplify Djokovic’s anti-vax views.

A statement shared on the BBC’s complaints site read: “The BBC’s exclusive interview is the first time Novak Djokovic has spoken about his position himself, and our news editors judged that the interview was of genuine significance and was of interest to our audience, particularly in light of what unfolded in the build-up of the Australian Open in January.

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“We appreciate that not everyone will agree with our choice of story running orders, but we consider that this has been a big ongoing news story which also encompasses key issues such as mandatory vaccination and international travel restrictions.”

The message continued: “There are still many people who choose not to be vaccinated and we think it is important to hear from all sides of the discussion.

“However the BBC has always made clear the scientific and medical consensus on vaccination and its effectiveness, and we have done so throughout our coverage of this story.”

Following his deportation from Australia, Djokovic stated that he accepts the fact he may miss much of the tennis year due to his stance on the coronavirus vaccine putting an end to the debate over whether he would alter his position on the issue.

Watch: Novak Djokovic: Unvaccinated star 'willing to pay price' of missing Grand Slams