US World Cup Reporter Faces Backlash Over Bosnia Jokes, Apologizes
ABC7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez faced social-media backlash after on-air remarks joking about not knowing where Bosnia is while covering the USMNT ahead of a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina; she apologized, saying the segment was meant to be light-hearted but was insensitive. The incident coincides with pre-match coverage as the USMNT prepares for a knockout-round clash in the San Francisco Bay Area after finishing Group D atop the group, while Bosnia qualified as one of the best third-place teams. The controversy drew reactions from Bosnian fans and others criticizing stereotyping.