During the highly anticipated World Cup Final, a BBC commentator found himself in a mix-up that left viewers both amused and bewildered. Guy Mowbray attempted to identify the iconic Pharrell Williams but mistakenly referred to him as “AKA Rocky,” before quickly correcting himself to “A$AP Rocky.”
This amusing gaffe occurred roughly 15 minutes into the match between Spain and Argentina, as cameras panned to Pharrell, who was enjoying the game from the stands at MetLife Stadium. While Mowbray got closer with the name correction, he still missed the mark on the celebrity in question. A$AP Rocky was actually seated next to his partner, Rihanna, along with rapper Future and NBA star Jalen Brunson, making the mix-up even more entertaining.
Pharrell, sporting a backward cap and sunglasses, appeared completely unfazed by the confusion, while social media users quickly jumped on the blunder. Fans debated what was more amusing: Mowbray’s initial misidentification or his awkward correction.
As previously reported, the stands were packed with a star-studded lineup, including President Trump, Tom Cruise, Mick Jagger, Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, and the Beckham family. With so many celebrities in attendance, it’s no wonder Mowbray’s recognition skills faltered in the moment.
In the end, Spain triumphed over Argentina with a 1-0 victory in extra time, and while Mowbray may not have nailed this particular celebrity call, he did manage to get the match outcome right. What other surprises might the World Cup have in store for fans?
