Fox News has issued an apology after an onscreen message that labeled President Joe Biden a ‘wannabe dictator’ was broadcast on Wednesday.
The headline appeared during a segment on ‘The Five’, a panel show that features commentary and debate on current events. The segment was discussing the indictment of former President Donald Trump on federal criminal charges related to his alleged disclosure of classified information to foreign leaders.
The message read: ‘Biden: Wannabe Dictator Indicts Trump’. It was quickly removed and replaced with a different headline.
In a statement, Fox News said: ‘The headline was taken off TV immediately after it aired and addressed. We apologize for this error.’
The network did not explain how the message was created or who was responsible for it.
The incident drew criticism from some viewers and media watchdogs, who accused Fox News of bias and disrespect towards the president.
Fox News is known for its conservative-leaning coverage and commentary, and has often been supportive of Trump and critical of Biden.
Trump was arraigned on Tuesday in a Miami federal court on charges of obstruction of justice, abuse of power and conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. He is accused of revealing classified information about U.S. military operations and cyberattacks to foreign leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in exchange for personal favors and political benefits.
Biden has not commented publicly on the indictment, but Attorney General Merrick Garland said on Wednesday that the Justice Department would pursue the case ‘without fear or favor’.