BBC Newsbeat apologises after accidentally mocking a partially deaf MP

BBC Newsbeat has apologised after a tweet mocking a partially deaf MP has gone viral.

The publication's Twitter account shared a picture of the Conservative Party's Alec Shelbrooke, lying back on his seat and with his eyes closed.

Very heartfelt apologies to @alecshelbrooke MP. He is partially deaf and was listening to a speaker. pic.twitter.com/CSvocBZ9qT

— BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) September 15, 2015

The image went viral on social media, but Shelbrooke has since clarified that he wasn't napping and that he was listening to the speaker because of his disability.

"I am genuinely slightly deaf and struggle to hear," the MP told Guido Fawkes. "I had taken part in the debate and was trying to hear the wind-ups.

"Seems a shame I get trolled due to being slightly deaf."

BBC Newsbeat later wrote on Twitter: "Very heartfelt apologies to @alecshelbrooke MP. He is partially deaf and was listening to a speaker."

And here's a tweet showing that Shelbrooke definitely wasn't asleep:

And here with his eyes wide open in the same position. I'm afraid it appears @AlecShelbrooke has been misrepresented. pic.twitter.com/bIenHhiB8N

— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) September 15, 2015