BBC issues apology to Wimbledon star’s girlfriend after blunders on live commentary
BBC commentator Andrew Castle has faced criticism after repeatedly misidentifying Trinity Rodman during Wimbledon coverage, calling her “Tiffany” instead of her correct name.
The tennis pundit, who competed at Wimbledon during the 1980s, made the error whilst commentating on matches featuring her boyfriend, American tennis player Ben Shelton, who has reached the semi-finals.
Castle also drew criticism for mentioning Trinity’s father, basketball legend Dennis Rodman, during the broadcasts.
The 23-year-old footballer, who has earned 47 caps for the USA women’s team and plays for Washington Spirit, took to social media to address the mistakes.
The incidents occurred as Shelton progressed through the tournament, with the couple being dubbed a sporting “power couple” by media outlets.
Trinity Rodman responded on Instagram to Castle’s errors, writing: “For those who don’t know, my name is TRINITY not Tiffany.”
She continued: “Also, for Ben’s matches he has his family there as a support system, which includes his dad.
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“My dad is not even in MY life, no need to bring him up during HIS matches when I don’t even want him talked about during mine. It’s him and his loved ones’ moment. Thank you.”
The footballer’s message garnered support from fans online. Castle had been heard saying during coverage: “Her father is Dennis Rodman, who’s one of the greatest sportsmen of all time in my opinion. The greatest rebounder in NBA history and the biggest wind-up merchant of all time.”
Trinity has previously spoken about her difficult relationship with her father, the NBA Hall of Famer known for his flamboyant lifestyle.
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Dennis Rodman divorced Trinity’s mother Michelle Moyer in 2012 and has had minimal contact with his daughter since.
In an interview with the Call Her Daddy podcast last year, Trinity revealed she doesn’t have her father’s number saved in her phone but occasionally takes his calls.
She explained: “I answer the phone now for my conscience, to be like, he needed to hear my voice before anything else happens. That’s why I answer the phone, not for me. He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.”
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The BBC has issued an apology following the online backlash against Castle, 61, who previously worked as a GMTV presenter and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.
A BBC spokesman said: “Andrew apologises for mispronouncing Trinity Rodman’s name during the Ben Shelton vs. Lorenzo Sonego match.”
Critics online accused the commentator of committing a “micro-aggression” and demonstrating a “lack of care” towards Trinity.
The controversy emerged as Shelton, seeded tenth, defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in four sets on Monday to secure his quarter-final place.
He is scheduled to face world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner on Court One later on Wednesday.