Individual Mistakenly Interviewed on Live Broadcast Plans to Sue BBC for Lost Income
A man who gained unexpected online fame due to an accidental live interview on the BBC is preparing to file a lawsuit against the broadcasting company for the earnings he believes he lost as a result of the viral clip.
In 2006, Guy Goma arrived at the headquarters of the BBC for a job interview. However, due to a mix-up, he found himself being interviewed on the BBC News Channel about internet music downloads instead. The mistaken identity occurred as he was confused with technology journalist Guy Kewney, who had been scheduled to discuss a legal disagreement between Apple Corps and Apple Computers.
Despite the mishap gaining over five million views on the BBC’s YouTube channel, Mr. Goma disclosed on a podcast that he has not received any compensation for the interview. Expressing his frustration, he stated on the Accidental Celebrities podcast, “I reached out to them, but they did not respond. Did I receive any payment for that interview? No. I intend to pursue legal action… because they profited from it, yet I did not receive a single penny.”
When the podcast hosts, Josh Pieters and Archie Manners, inquired whether he planned to take legal action against the BBC, Mr. Goma affirmed, “I am fully intent on doing so… due to their financial gains from the clip, while I received nothing.”
He further pointed out that the BBC has continued to use the clip for 17 years without compensating him, emphasizing that “that very clip enriched them.” Mr. Manners expressed his view that the absence of payment appeared “extremely unjust” considering the extensive viewership of the clip.
In an earlier segment of the podcast, Mr. Goma recounted his arrival at the BBC studios, where he was offered makeup. He recalled responding, “Excuse me, I don’t require that. I came solely for the job interview; makeup is unnecessary.”
During the interview itself, Mr. Goma initially displayed surprise but proceeded to answer all questions. He asserted that the business journalist Karen Bowerman did not recognize the mistake. Following the interview, he informed the BBC that they had interviewed the incorrect individual. However, he did not receive any communication from the broadcaster for a week, missed out on the job interview opportunity, and was not offered the position.
As of now, the BBC has chosen not to provide a comment on the matter.
