LA reporter releases statement after ‘insensitive’ World Cup video — and it might be awkward in the office
See more of our coverage in your search results.
An ABC7 Los Angeles reporter has apologized after her “insensitive” FIFA World Cup remarks about Bosnia and Herzegovina went viral — with the fallout taking an awkward twist with ABC News’ President Almin Karamehmedovic being from the country.
In an Instagram post, ABC’s Abigail Vélez wrote, “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 followed up with an apology to both the people of Bosnia and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.
Abigail Vélez was presenting ABC7 Eyewitness News from a World Cup watch party in Long Beach on Thursday, where the US had just lost 3–2 to Turkey.
While previewing Team USA’s upcoming World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, she launched into a spirited defense of the Americans.
“One thing about Bosnia, I could not point out where it is on a map,” Vélez said.
She continued: “I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia and I don’t want to know because Team USA, we’re back, we’re better than ever.
“Get prepared Bosnia, because you don’t want it like that, but you’re gonna get it.”
ABC Reporter:
“One thing about Bosnia, I can NOT point out where it is on a map. I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia and I DON’T wanna know.” pic.twitter.com/WjXXuLVezB
California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
The comments quickly drew a response from Bosnia’s football team, which is competing in its second-ever men’s World Cup as an independent nation.
“My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves,” the team’s official X account posted in a message that has since been viewed more than 11 million times.
The team doubled down in the comments, pointing out that ABC News President Karamehmedovic is Bosnian before adding: “The worst part is the confidence that she said this with!”
Vélez does not directly report to Karamehmedovic but he is part of the broader hierarchy at ABC.
They later shared her apology as an update to its original post, with the controversy splitting social media users.
Some dismissed Vélez’s remarks as harmless sports banter, while others blasted them as ignorant and insensitive.
“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,” her statement concluded.
Almin Karamehmedovic is from Sarajevo and was appointed president of ABC News in 2024.
“I approach this role with great respect and humility, not only for the hundreds of colleagues around the world whose tireless contributions fuel ABC News’ unwavering and unbiased reporting, but also for the viewers we serve,” Karamehmedovic said at the time.