Claudia Byatt
TV

"This is terrible": Woman halts TV interview until her name is pronounced correctly

Former editor and commentator Dawn Neesom was put on blast by Shola Mos-Shogbamimu for mispronouncing her name on TV.

The exchange happened on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show where Ms Neesom was presenting as a host.

Dr Shola appeared on the panel to talk about stories and current issues.

When the introductions began, there was an error which was quickly highlighted.

Dawn said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joined by lawyer Dr Shola” but then struggled to pronounce her surname and asked her, “How do I pronounce your name Shola?”

The lawyer replied, “'Read it my darling, read it.”

Dawn made another attempt but appeared to have mispronounced it again.

Dr Shola, appearing amused, said, “This is terrible, especially from a presenter.”

Dawn was then instructed by her to pronounce it phonetically, saying “Shola Mos Shog Bam Imu.”

Dr Shola responded, “Do it again.”

Dawn went on to say “Oh come on, I got the Shola right” but Dr Shola said, "Do it again and do it phonetically.”

When she again mispronounced it, Dr Shola said “You just missed the B try again”

Dawn, proceeded to put her hand on her face said, “'Shola, Shola welcome to the show!”

Dr Shola then told her, “No you will say my name and read it phonetically,”

Dawn attempted to say her name again, this time nearly correct and Dr Shola said, “It's Shogbamimu but well done.”

The exchange was posted online and both parties tweeted about it.

Dawn explained, “The most fun with the best panel this morning. That's what three hours sleep does for you.”

Dr Shola retweeted the video but added no comment.

The lawyer, who recently wrote an anti-racism book called This Is Why I Resist, spoke about Meghan Markle’s decision to not attend the coronation.

Speaking to GMD, she said, “I think Meghan's decision to say no to the most powerful family in Britain and to say no to the most talked about party in town is both admirable and inspiring.

“What Meghan is doing is exercising the power of no that comes from a place of self-worth, growth, maturity and self preservation.”

When asked if it was because Meghan “didn’t feel welcome” in the UK, she responded “I don't think that's the case here.

"I think that any wife out there that has bad in-laws like Meghan has with the Royal Family can deduce that she has drawn a line in the sand. She is saying I will attend royal events, but on my own terms.

“But what is more powerful is that Meghan is telling the whole world that I am rejecting any notion that because I married into the Royal Family I should be bait for toxicity, rage and abuse.

“She is saying to society as a whole: you don't get to tell me who I should be as a woman, as a mother and as a wife."

Image credit: Instagram

Tags:
Dawn Neesom, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, Pronunciation, TV interview