Did a commentator really make a racist remark about Ciara during World Cup broadcast? Here's the truth behind the viral live coverage

As the FIFA World Cup fever is already reaching its peak, the tournament is also generating just as much buzz off the pitch as it is on it. Amid this, the latest controversy centers around singer Ciara after a viral clip from the USA vs Australia match at Seattle stadium on June 19 went viral online. The video allegedly captures a commentator making remarks about the Grammy-winning artist's ethnicity, triggering strong reactions across social media. But is the video even real? Let's find out what really happened.


The controversy began after a clip from the USA vs Australia World Cup match at Seattle Stadium on June 19, which quickly started making rounds on social media.

The video showed singer Ciara in the crowd as cameras briefly focused on her during the broadcast. According to social media users, commentator Leandro Zapponi was heard asking in Spanish, "Who is that black woman?" as Ciara appeared on screen.

The alleged remark quickly drew attention online, with many viewers criticising the commentator and accusing him of making an inappropriate comment during the live coverage.

As soon as the viral video surfaced on social media, it quickly sparked a debate. One user said, "Controversy surrounded a DirecTV Sports commentator after, during a broadcast, he made the comment, 'Who is this Black woman?' , referring to the American singer Ciara."


One asked, "What's the problem with using skin colours?

Black, white, yellow, red, bronze...?"

"And why isn't it black, then? What is more racist? Saying what it is or thinking that saying what it is is an insult?" another wrote.

"They defend the indefensible," I should have said, "and who's this brunette?"

"But if it's black... white I don't see, nor green, nor pink..."

"It's incredible that people believe this is real. This is AI," one pointed out.

"I don't understand... what's the problem? Black is a colour. If they had focused on Taylor Swift and the announcer had asked, 'Who's that white one?' No one would have been outraged. 🙄"

Following the backlash, commentator Leandro Zapponi addressed the controversy on X on June 19, denying the claims linked to the viral video. He stated that the circulating clip had been altered using AI and insisted that the audio being shared online did not reflect the actual broadcast.

To support his clarification, Zapponi posted the original footage from the match, pointing out that no such remark about Ciara's race was made during the live coverage. In his post, he criticised the spread of manipulated content, saying that fake news and AI-edited audio were being used to mislead people and spread unnecessary negativity.


He also emphasised that he would never make such comments, calling the situation unfortunate and misleading.