Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3354120/BBC-suspends-gay-journalist-said-ashamed-work-refused-axe-Tyson-Fury-Sports-Personality-shortlist-homophobic-views.html#ixzz3u0Hqn1KV
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… who said he was ‘ashamed’ to work there after they refused to axe Tyson Fury from Sports Personality shortlist over homophobic views
- Television journalist Andy West claims he has been suspended by BBC
- Made Facebook post voicing disgust at Tyson Fury’s award nomination
- ‘Ashamed’ at employer shortlisting boxer who voiced homophobic views
- Petition to have Fury’s award nod withdrawn has reached 131,000 names
- See full news coverage from the BBC at www.dailymail.co.uk/bbc
The BBC has suspended a gay news reporter who said he was ‘ashamed’ to work for the company after homophobic boxer Tyson Fury was nominated as their Sports Personality of the Year.
Award-winning television journalist Andy West claims he has been ordered off work after voicing his opinion against the World Heavyweight champion’s inclusion on the contest’s shortlist.
West posted on Facebook voicing his ‘hurt’ that his employer had even considered Fury for the prestigious annual award.
Andy West (pictured, receiving an award from BBC anchor Huw Edwards) claims he has been suspended by the company for saying he was ‘ashamed’ Tyson Fury is nominated as Sports Personality of the Year
In a post made on Twitter, the BBC Northern Ireland presenter said: ‘I can’t say more but, as of yesterday, I am suspended by the BBC pending investigation. ‘I made my bed now I have time to lie in it!’
In a post made on Twitter, the BBC Northern Ireland presenter said: ‘I can’t say more but, as of yesterday, I am suspended by the BBC pending investigation.
‘I made my bed now I have time to lie in it!’
West, like many others, was speaking out after taking offence to homophobic and sexist remarks made by Fury (pictured) during an interview with the Mail on Sunday. Speaking to Oliver Holt, the towering fighter linked homosexuality and paedophilia, suggesting it should be made illegal
West (pictured) posted on Facebook voicing his ‘hurt’ that his employer had even considered Fury for the prestigious annual award
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“:”Boxing promoter Kellie Maloney says Tyson Fury should be picked up on his controversial comments about women and homosexuality”}”>
‘It’s tempting to see him for the laughable idiot he is but sadly there are many other idiots who will be inspired and encourage by his naive, juvenile bigotry.
‘I am ashamed to work for the BBC when it lacks bravery to admit it is making a mistake.
‘I criticise the BBC for offering him as an idol to be celebrated and admired not just for his sporting achievements but also his ‘personality’.’
The Sports Personality awards bash is to be held in Belfast on December 20, with BBC Northern Ireland – West’s employer – heavily involved in covering it
West, like many others, was speaking out after taking offence to homophobic and sexist remarks made by Fury, 27, during an interview with the Mail on Sunday.
Speaking to Oliver Holt, the towering fighter linked homosexuality and paedophilia, suggesting it should be made illegal.
His controversial comments were brought to the fore after he defeated Wladimir Klitschko to become World Heavyweight champion last month and was then put on the Sports Personality shortlist days later.
Mr West says he has written to the BBC director general, Tony Hall, over Fury’s nomination. He is expected to be questioned about the boxer’s award nod by the culture, media and sport select committee next week.
More than 131,000 people have signed a petition asking for Tyson’s name to be removed from the list.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are investigating hate crime allegations against the boxer.
The glitzy Sports Personality awards bash is to be held in Belfast on December 20, with BBC Northern Ireland heavily involved in covering it.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We do not routinely comment on individual staff matters.’
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