BBC sparks sexism row after story describing British Oscar nominee Nina Hartstone as 'sound editor mum'

The BBC has been accused of sexism after it described an Oscar nominee as a "sound editor mum".

Nina Hartstone has been nominated for an Academy Award for her work on Bohemian Rhapsody - about Queen's Freddie Mercury - at this month's ceremony.

On Sunday, the BBC News website ran a story with the headline: "The sound-editor mum up for an Oscar."

In the opening paragraph, the story said: "At home Nina Hartstone runs the PTA and feeds the cat, at work she's a Bafta-winning sound editor."

The article has since been changed after an initial backlash online as dozens of people were outraged over the description of Ms Hartstone.

Many suggested the news website would not have used "sound engineer dad" to describe a man up for such an accolade.

Sophie Walker wrote: "Hey BBC News I’m really hoping this is the first in a bunch of family-based reports, to be followed up by stories on the 'production dad' 'sound-engineer dad' 'special effects uncles' ie not just MASSIVELY SEXIST. The sound-editor mum up for an Oscar."

Thea Gilmore tweeted: "FIX THE GODDAMN HEADLINE BBC News I’m so sick of women being reduced to ‘Mums who do other stuff sometimes’. Who WROTE this?"

While Gail Renard wrote: "This woman has been a professional for 25 years, has been nominated for an Oscar yet #BBC still describes her as 'Mum of three' and former 'tea girl.' Now you know why we get so angry."

And Richard Shaw quipped: "You mean she’s a sound editor AND a mum?! Are there any other mums out there who do jobs? This is incredible news!"

BBC News has since updated the headline and removed references to Ms Hartstone feeding the cat and running the PTA.

The article headline has since been changed to say: "First Oscars night for sound editor."

While the introduction now reads: "Dressing up in a grand gown, walking down the red carpet and enjoying lavish Los Angeles parties are experiences most commonly associated with A-listers.

"But what is it like for relatively unknown technical staff who are nominated for an Oscar?"

A BBC spokesman said: “We had clearly misjudged this headline, so we changed it.”