Sky Sports Shuts Down 'Halo' TikTok Channel Amid Backlash Over Sexist Content

Sky Sports has scrapped its new female-focused TikTok channel, Halo, after it faced a backlash online with its posts described as "patronising" and "sexist". The channel, which was only announced on Thursday, was stopped from all activity on Saturday night, according to a statement posted on social media. The decision to axe the channel came after many on social media criticized the content, which included posts about "hot girl walks" and matcha. One post featured a clip of Manchester City players Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland combining for the latter to score against Bournemouth, given the caption "How the matcha hot girl walk combo hits". Viewers argued the posts were "infantilising" and "objectifying" women, and that the content was not representative of the inclusive platform Sky Sports had promised. Sky Sports had described Halo as an "inclusive, dedicated platform for women to enjoy and explore content from all sports, while amplifying female voices and perspectives." However, the channel's content seemed to focus more on lifestyle and entertainment rather than sports, leading to criticism that it was not meeting its intended purpose. The backlash against Halo was swift, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. "I was really excited about the idea of a female-focused sports channel, but the content was just so patronising," said one viewer. "It felt like they were talking down to us, rather than engaging with us as equals." Sky Sports has faced criticism in the past for its handling of female sports coverage, with some accusing the broadcaster of prioritizing men's sports over women's. However, the launch of Halo was seen as a step in the right direction, with many hoping it would provide a platform for women to engage with sports in a more meaningful way. The current status of Halo is that it has been stopped from all activity, and it is unclear what the future holds for the channel. In a statement, Sky Sports said it "didn't get it right" and that it would be "reviewing its content strategy" to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of its audience. As for the future of female sports coverage on Sky Sports, it remains to be seen. However, the backlash against Halo has highlighted the need for broadcasters to be more mindful of their content and to prioritize the needs and expectations of their audience.