BBC Question Time viewers cringed at an awkward moment when host Fiona Bruce called on a panellist to discuss racism in the UK.
A member of the public asked during Thursday night's programme: "Revelations from cricket's Azeem Rafiq and footballers still taking the knee, what does this say about racism as a continuing undercurrent in present day Britain?"
Ms Bruce then turned to one of the panellists, solicitor Nazir Afzal OBE, and said simply, 'Nazir?"
As the camera focused on him he seemed resigned as he said with a wry smile: "The brown person will answer first."
Some of the audience then began laughing before he gestured to the host saying 'no disrespect.'
Fiona Bruce then asked him: "Nazir, so do you think that was wrong of me to come to you first?"
He started to say 'I think so, I think what' before he was abruptly cut off by Fiona who said 'well let's not do it then' before turning to another guest and asking for their view instead.
She looked back to him and added: "I'm not being sarcastic at all, I mean if that's how you feel I respect that."
Nazir Afzal OBE was Chief Crown Prosecutor for NW England and formerly Director in London. Most recently, he was Chief Executive of the country’s Police & Crime Commissioners.
In a 24 year career he has prosecuted high profile cases and led nationally on several legal topics including violence against women & girls, child sexual abuse, and honour based violence.
The question from the audience member followed earlier reports that former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq had appeared before the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Select Committee.
He was there to discuss the racist culture he said he was subject to at the club and made allegations against England batsman Alex Hales.
Rafiq claimed that the problem of racism is "not just Yorkshire but throughout the country".
Then when asked specifically if English cricket is institutionally racist, the 30-year-old simply replied: "Yes".
