ABC7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez apologizes after making remarks about Bosnia and Herzegovina during live World Cup coverage that drew widespread criticism. According to multiple reports, the comments were made during a broadcast after the United States’ loss to Türkiye in the group stage. In the on-air exchange, Velez referred to Bosnia and said she could not point out where the country is on a map, adding dismissive “trash talk” ahead of the United States’ Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The remarks circulated widely online, with critics saying they promoted stereotypes or showed disrespect toward a whole nation. Bosnian football officials and football-related social media accounts responded publicly to the criticism. In her apology, Velez said she had taken an attempt at humor too far and made “insensitive and inappropriate” comments. She apologized to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnia football team and said her comment did not reflect the World Cup’s spirit of unity.
ABC7 reporter Abigail Velez apologizes after Bosnia World Cup comments spark backlash
ABC7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez apologizes after making remarks about Bosnia and Herzegovina during live World Cup coverage that drew widespread criticism. According to multiple reports, the c...
- ABC7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez issues a public apology after Bosnia and Herzegovina comments during World Cup coverage.
- Velez makes remarks on air saying she could not locate Bosnia on a map and makes dismissive comments ahead of the US vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Round of 32 match.
- The comments go viral and prompt backlash accusing her of insensitivity and negative stereotyping.
- Bosnian football officials and football-related social media accounts respond to the remarks.
- Velez states her attempt at humor was inappropriate and apologizes to the people of Bosnia and Bosnia’s football team.
The ABC 7 Los Angeles reporter apologized for her ‘poor effort to have a little fun with the World Cup competition’
1 month agoABC7 reporter Abigail Velez issued an apology after her lighthearted trash talk about Bosnia went viral, drawing a response from the Bosnian soccer team.
1 month agoThe ABC 7 Los Angeles reporter apologized for her ‘poor effort to have a little fun with the World Cup competition’
1 month agoABC Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez issued an apology after making 'inappropriate' comments about Bosnia and Herzegovina
1 month agoThe ABC 7 Los Angeles reporter apologized for her ‘poor effort to have a little fun with the World Cup competition’
1 month agoAn American television reporter has issued a public apology after her attempt to fire up support for the United States ahead of its FIFA World Cup Round-of-32 clash against Bosnia backfired spectacularly, with her dismissive on-air remarks about the Balkan nation drawing widespread criticism and prompting a sharp response from Bosnian football officials.Speaking during a live cross following the United States' 3-2 defeat to Turkey, Velez attempted to rally support for the US team by dismissing its next opponent."One thing about Bosnia, I could not point out where it is on a map. I don't know the first thing about Bosnia, and I don't wanna know. That's because Team USA, we're back, we're better than ever. That's next Wednesday. Get prepared, Bosnia, because you don't want it. You don't want it like that. But you're gonna get it," she said.U.S Journalist apologizes after saying “one thing about Bosnia I cannot point out where it is on a map” during her FIFA World Cup coverage. pic.twitter.com/Eoge2fLSqJ— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws1) June 28, 2026 The remarks quickly spread across social media, with many users accusing the reporter of promoting negative stereotypes and showing disrespect towards an entire nation. The exchange fuelled widespread criticism online, with many calling for an apology from the broadcaster.Bosnian Football's official social media account was among the first to respond, mocking the comments while highlighting their ignorance."My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……," the account posted.In a follow-up message, it added: "To make things worse, the President of ABC News is, get this…..a Bosnian!"Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'Kicks IShowSpeed Off Feed' After Streamer Claims Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Will Win FIFA World Cup 2026 | VideoVelez Issues Public ApologyOn Sunday morning (AEST), Velez released a statement acknowledging that her attempt at humour had crossed the line."In a poor effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition, I took it too far and made a thoughtless comment on air that was insensitive and inappropriate," she said."I apologise to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnian football team."The World Cup is supposed to be about uniting communities around the world, and my comment didn't reflect that spirit."Wishing all the teams the very best as they continue their World Cup journey."
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