British-Nigerian lawyer and activist Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu recently went viral over her interaction with news anchor Dawn Neesom on Jeremy Vine, a United Kingdom-based TV program.
Specifically, Mos-Shogbamimu — a guest on the series — iconically refused to start the segment until Neesom correctly pronounced her name.
In turn, people on social media began chiming in and sharing their thoughts on how Mos-Shogbamimu handled the matter.
#1
The Attorney Demands Proper Respect: "You Will Read My Name"
In the clip, Neesom welcomes Mos-Shogbamimu to the show, though she fails to read out her full name. Neesom then asks, “How do you pronounce your name, Shola?”
In turn, the attorney prompts Neesom to “read it” and give the pronunciation another go.
“Read it, my darling. Read it.”
After the presenter fails again, Mos-Shogbamimu says, “This is terrible. Especially [while] presenting.”
She adds, “Go back and read it. Phonetically.”
Despite Neesom’s failed attempts, Mos-Shogbamimu stood firm and refused to proceed until she was properly introduced.
“You will read my name. Now say it phonetically.”
After Neesom finally pronounced her full name, the program proceeded as scheduled.
We should also add that, shortly after the incident, Mos-Shogbamimu hopped on Instagram and explained her stance.
“Say My Name — I try to teach my children to never let any situation embarrass or disrespect you about your name. Even with those you get on with.”
#2
Users Support Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
Once the interaction began to circulate and pick up steam, people started to chime in online.
Many were absolutely here for Mos-Shogbamimu standing her ground.
https://twitter.com/myronjclifton/status/1656448205566148608?s=20
https://twitter.com/afuathescot/status/1656345942394535953?s=20
SAY MY NAME LIKE IT IS WRITTEN!! Shola said no more half arsedness!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ijpvcuh1cY
— bally singh (@putasinghonit) May 10, 2023
It was also pointed out that, as Mos-Shogbamimu was a guest on the show, Neesom should’ve done her due diligence beforehand.
Because as a professional this is the sort of thing you establish *before* the show if you have any respect for your guests. I am glad Ms Shola stood her ground https://t.co/1cqZNqkVdJ
— Bolu Babalola is genuinely on leave 🍯&🌶 (@BeeBabs) May 10, 2023
To be flippant about the pronunciation of a guest's name, who you invited on your show is irresponsible, unprofessional and insensitive. It reeks of privilege. Dr. Shola checked her! https://t.co/6gam7glsYD
— Freedom Fighters (@Freedom87064986) May 10, 2023
Who is the presenter? This is so unprofessional. Fair play to @SholaMos1 for insisting she at least try and pronounce it correctly.
— ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Liver Bird ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@MillysBeard) May 10, 2023
Another user commented, “Her name isn’t even hard to pronounce. See the lack of trying and then mockery?”
Her name isn’t even hard to pronounce. See the lack of trying and then mockery? https://t.co/2YTMWSMK0I
— IJ | mwen pa sòt online (@aChildOf2Worlds) May 10, 2023
#3
Others Push Back As Dawn Neesom Appears Unfazed
However, not everyone was as supportive, as others felt the situation could have been handled differently.
Unnecessary. We underestimate how hard yoruba is.
Can Shola pronounce Khvicha Kvaratskhelia without struggling? https://t.co/ND3DWsHffG
— Martini Olakunle Akande (@signor_martini) May 11, 2023
Please. Some of our names are tricky, facts. Dawn was super polite & has shown us real life. No ill intent. Could she have learned to pronounce it before going live? Yes. But still, she asked not just said it & moved on. People really need to learn to be less triggered by this.
— Bushra Shaikh (@Bushra1Shaikh) May 10, 2023
I can’t lie, Dr Shola’s reaction was unnecessary here. Many Nigerians can’t pronounce Nigerian names. It’s one thing to deliberately mispronounce someone’s name, but if someone is genuinely asking for help – why make a song and dance out of it. https://t.co/K1vQepzt1q
— Deji A (@MrJollofRice95) May 10, 2023
This is excruciating… A good producer would always flag up complicated words or names in an autocue script – they hung you out to dry @DawnNeesom…!
But, wow, Shola was rude and unkind. How hard would it have been to politely correct you & move on?… https://t.co/pcYtqOPphY— Bev Turner 🌸 (@beverleyturner) May 10, 2023
Despite how others felt about the interaction, Neesom appears to have laughed the matter off. She also referred to the moment as “the most fun” before remarking, “That’s what three hours of sleep does for you.”
😂
— Dawn Neesom (@DawnNeesom) May 10, 2023
The most fun with the best panel this morning @JeremyVineOn5 #Extra 😂 That's what three hours sleep does for you🤪 Thanks to @thecarolemalone @SholaMos1 for being such great sports & to all the excellent callers today 🙏 Back from more fun & games live tomorrow 9.15 sharp. The… https://t.co/dSVUvBrN3H
— Dawn Neesom (@DawnNeesom) May 10, 2023
