British broadcaster apologises for ' Bartoli not a looker' remark

British broadcaster BBC has offered an apology to new Wimbledon women's champion Marion Bartoli over a veteran reporter's comments on air about her looks.

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Bartoli, who beat Germany's Sabine Lisicky in straight sets to land her first Grand Slam title and a 1.6 million-pound cheque, was the subject of apparently cruel comments by reporter John Inverdale, who asked listeners about whether they ever wondered that Bartoli's father told her that she was never going to be a looker when she was little, the Mirror reported.

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However, Inverdale later tried to make amends, saying that he had poked fun about how Bartoli looked 'in a nice way', adding that she is an incredible role model.

Accepting that the comment was insensitive, a BBC spokesman apologised for the remark.

Dismissing the remarks, Bartoli said that she does not care that she is not a blonde and does not have a modeling contract, although she added that she had always dreamed about winning Wimbledon and is proud to share the moment with her father.

According to Bartoli, she is sure that she will be able to watch the DVD of the match over and over again and look at the picture of herself holding the trophy in her arms, adding that this is what matters to her, instead of what she can do outside the court.

Bartoli's father Dr Walter Bartoli also said that he is not angry over Inverdale's remarks, adding that she is his 'beautiful' daughter and he is proud of her.

Inverdale's comments also sparked an outrage on Twitter, with many users calling for a strong action against the reporter, the report added.