The BBC was forced to issue a formal apology today on behalf of one of its radio stations — BBC Radio 6 Music — after it played the Jimi Hendrix song "Hey Joe" immediately following a news report on the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius.

The lyrics of the song, which revolve around a man name Joe who expresses an intent to shoot his "old lady" for "messing around with another man," bear a striking resemblance to the accusations brought against the Paralympian.

Pistorius has been charged with murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, and some early reports suggest he may have been enraged over a text Steenkamp received from an ex-boyfriend.

"In light of the nature of the news story, we apologise for any offence caused by the proximity of the song 'Hey Joe' to the bulletin," a BBC spokesman said in a statement. "An on-air apology was made immediately the mistake was realised."

Pistorius was charged with premeditated murder in a South African courtroom today. Though he admits to killing Steemkamp, he maintains that he mistook her for an intruder.

[tweet via @WhatsOn6Music, photo via AP]