{"id":509062,"date":"2026-04-02T14:25:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/509062\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:25:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:25:09","slug":"put-a-sock-in-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/509062\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Put a sock in it!’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ben Leo has criticised Sky News’ coverage of the historic Artemis II rocket launch after its science correspondent jibed about the race and gender of the Apollo astronauts who set off decades earlier.<\/p>\n

The Sky News segment had highlighted that all astronauts who travelled to the Moon between 1969 and 1972 were white men.<\/p>\n

Science correspondent Thomas Moore pointed out that the Artemis II crew was more diverse than the crew that flew to space over five decades ago. <\/p>\n

However, in doing so, he irked a number of viewers at home, who accused Mr Moore of shoehorning that fact into the coverage rather needlessly. <\/p>\n

\"Ben<\/p>\n

Ben Leo criticised the Sky News coverage<\/p>\n

| GB NEWS<\/p>\n

Ben was among Mr Moore’s and Sky’s critics. He fumed on X: \u201c’Apollo was all white men. This is not.’ What is this? Who does this appeal to?<\/p>\n

“They are courageous heroes of humanity. No one, not even them, cares about skin colour or gender. Just put a sock in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben’s post sparked a flood of comments from users pointing out that those involved in space missions were chosen for their expertise, not their appearance. <\/p>\n

One viewer commented: \u201cThe main mathematicians who got men into space were black\u2026 All four of those astronauts are up there for their expertise, not their colour or gender.”<\/p>\n

\"Ben<\/p>\n

Ben was moved to tears as he shared the historic moment with his son in Florida<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

GB NEWS<\/p>\n

“Self-hating white gullible idiots can\u2019t even see they are doing self-harm,” another said while a third penned: “I’m sure you’re correct that the crew don’t care.” (sic)<\/p>\n

Comedian John Cleese also weighed in with a tongue-in-cheek remark. He wrote: \u201cThat’s what I really dislike about the battle of Agincourt. The total lack of diversity, especially among the archers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Artemis II mission, which launched from Florida on Wednesday night, marks Nasa’s first crewed Moon mission in more than 50 years. <\/p>\n

Four astronauts are aboard the Orion spacecraft for a 10-day journey around the Moon and back.<\/p>\n

\u201cApollo was all white men. This is not.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is this? Who does this appeal to? They are courageous heroes of humanity.<\/p>\n

No one, not even them, cares about skin colour or gender. Just put a sock in it. https:\/\/t.co\/Us7w09D7qY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ben Leo (@benleo444) April 2, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

The crew includes mission commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen, who becomes the first non-American to venture beyond low Earth orbit.<\/p>\n

Addressing the nation before lift-off, Nasa chief Jared Isaacman confirmed the crew was \u201csafe, secure and in great spirits.\u201d <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Mr Hansen said: \u201cWe\u2019re going for all humanity.”<\/p>\n

The mission has received widespread attention, with crowds gathering at Cape Canaveral to witness the launch firsthand.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Artemis II crew<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

GETTY<\/p>\n

Ben was among them, bringing his son Jude to experience the historic event.<\/p>\n

Speaking after the launch, the People’s Channel fan-favourite said: \u201cIt was like a rolling stream of thunder which gripped your body.”<\/p>\n

President Donald Trump also praised the astronauts\u2019 efforts, writing on Truth Social: \u201cGod bless those four unbelievable astronauts. It\u2019s amazing what they will accomplish going further than anyone has before.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Artemis II mission aims to test Orion\u2019s life-support, propulsion, power, and navigation systems in deep space, paving the way for a potential return to the lunar surface later this decade.<\/p>\n

\"Artemis<\/p>\n

Thousands gathered in Florida for the Artemis II Moon mission launch<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

GETTY<\/p>\n

Its crew will not land on the Moon but will travel 4,700 miles past the Moon\u2019s far side, setting a new record for human spaceflight distance.<\/p>\n

Nasa has confirmed that all major milestones so far have been successfully completed, including core stage separation, solar array deployment, and entry into low Earth orbit. <\/p>\n

The space agency continues to provide live updates as Artemis II progresses toward its lunar flyby.<\/p>\n