Sports · Tennis · 6 hrs ago
beIN Sports condemns on-air comment about Aryna Sabalenka’s appearance
A beIN Sports commentator insulted Aryna Sabalenka’s appearance during coverage of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California.
The comment was picked up because the commentator’s microphone was still on while Sabalenka appeared in a promotional video.
The remark spread on social media and drew criticism.
Florent Houzot, beIN Sports France’s on-air director, said he regretted and strongly condemned the comment, adding that it did not reflect the broadcaster’s values.
The broadcaster reaffirmed its commitment to treating athletes with respect.
Sabalenka has not commented, and one account says the broadcaster’s management is expected to speak to the employee about their conduct.
A beIN Sports commentator was heard calling Aryna Sabalenka “horrible” during the channel’s WTA Finals coverage.
beIN Sports executive Florent Houzot said he regretted and strongly condemned the remarks.
The comment was broadcast while a promotional video showed Sabalenka posing outside the venue.
The remark spread on social media and drew backlash.
Sabalenka has not commented, according to both reports.
- Who
- A beIN Sports commentator made the remark about Aryna Sabalenka. Daily Mail identified him as Matthieu Solier; Ubitennis said he had not been named.
- What
- The commentator was heard calling Sabalenka “horrible” during a broadcast. Florent Houzot condemned the remarks.
- When
- During beIN Sports’ WTA Finals coverage on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- During coverage of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A promotional video showed her posing outside the venue during beIN Sports’ WTA Finals coverage.
A commentator’s remark about Sabalenka’s appearance was heard on air.
The clip spread on social media, drawing backlash and a response from Florent Houzot.
- Tournament
- WTA Finals
- Location
- Indian Wells, California
- Player
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Comment
- The commentator said she was “horrible
- beIN Sports director
- Florent Houzot
- Broadcast rights deal
- beIN Sports’ multi-year ATP Tour deal starts in 2028
3 sources
Shameful moment French broadcaster cruelly says Aryna Sabalenka looks 'horrible' - forcing beIN Sports to issue an apology
beIN Sports Director Condemns Jibe At Aryna Sabalenka’s Appearance By Employee
« Regarde, elle est horrible ! » : se pensant hors antenne, un journaliste de beIN Sports dénigre le physique d'Aryna Sabalenka
What people are saying
I regret and strongly condemn the remarks made live on air this evening during the WTA Finals broadcast.
I regret and strongly condemn the comments made live this evening during the broadcast of the WTA Finals.
Posts on X
Donc au retour de pub, le commentateur de @beinsports_FR lâche un honteux "regarde regarde regarde elle est horrible" pendant le clip d'introduction des WTA Finals #tennisextra une réaction @florenthouzot ?? Coucou @Arcom_fr #tennisextra
«Regarde, elle est horrible!» Un commentateur de beIN SPORTS dérape en plein direct, la direction condamne ses propos https://t.co/vdKXboFW5w