British Channel 4 presenter Matt Frei suggested Barack Obama “smiled like a split watermelon” when he welcomed Pope Francis to the White House Wednesday.
Frei also suggested Pope Francis “now wears the global mantel of hope and change that once belonged” to Obama.
Matt Frei: In fact, as he smiled like a split watermelon, the president may have reflected on the fact that it is his guest now wears the global mantel of hope and change that once belonged to the host.
WATCH:
Frei later tweeted an apology for the offensive remarks:
I apologise to those upset by my description of President Obama’s smile on tonight’s programme. 1/2
— Matt Frei (@mattfrei) September 23, 2015
It was intended as an entirely innocent phrase that apparently has a history I simply wasn’t aware of. Honestly no offence intended. 2/2
— Matt Frei (@mattfrei) September 23, 2015
[h/t The Mirror]