Argentine broadcaster denies racial comment about Ciara after viral clip
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 4:30 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
Leandro Zapponi, an Argentine broadcaster, faced backlash following a viral clip allegedly showing him making a racially insensitive remark about singer Ciara during the U.S.'s 2-0 win over Australia on June 19, 2026. The circulated video suggested Zapponi asked, 'Who is this black woman?' However, both Zapponi and his broadcaster, DSPORTS, denied the accusation, claiming the clip was fake. Zapponi shared footage of the actual broadcast, which did not include the alleged comment. DSPORTS issued a statement condemning the manipulated video as fake news, aimed at spreading hatred. This incident reflects the growing concern over AI-generated misinformation in sports media.
- •Zapponi became a viral topic after the U.S. win over Australia.
- •The claimed comment about Ciara was not in the actual broadcast.
- •DSPORTS released a statement rejecting any form of discrimination.
- •Incidents of AI-manipulated media are increasing in sports discussions.
- 4:30 PMYahoo Sports — Argentine World Cup broadcaster accused of racial comment towards Ciara says clip is fake
"Leandro Zapponi went viral for all the wrong reasons following the United States’ 2-0 win over Australia on Friday. A clip of the Argentine broadcaster was circulated after the game, and it appeared to show Zapponi making a racially insensitive comment about American singer-songwriter Ciara, who was shown on the broadcast alongside former NFL quarterback…
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Jun 21, 2026, 5:01 PMHow the Bills' Josh Allen compares to Hall of Fame quarterbacks
- NFL•Jun 21, 2026, 5:00 PMRob Gronkowski Makes Feelings Clear on How Patriots Can Overcome Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Scandal
- NFL•Jun 21, 2026, 4:30 PMChiefs select All-SEC star with first-round pick in latest mock draft
- NFL•Jun 21, 2026, 4:25 PMMike McCarthy is exactly who Pat Freiermuth needed
- NFL•Jun 21, 2026, 4:23 PMRetired NFL Quarterback Ranks Drake Maye Ahead Of Three MVPs On Top Five List
- NFL•Jun 21, 2026, 4:15 PMVega Ioane's latest vote of confidence comes from Roger Rosengarten
