|
Clive Myrie was filmed attacking a pro-Palestinian protester who disrupted his event, sparking a backlash from students who called him a “Zionist”.
Footage has emerged of a BBC newsreader calling a heckler a “fucking idiot” during a university Q&A on September 25 over accusations he was spreading “Israeli propaganda.”
Moments after the stunt, which took place at the University of the Arts London where Myrie had recently been appointed chancellor, he condemned “the lunatic who just left and wasn't polite enough to listen to my answer.”
He added: “A f***ing idiot shouts at me in public and then I leave. He doesn't want to listen to the other side.
The 60-year-old later apologized for his choice of language, but maintained his defense of open debate.
Footage has emerged online showing Clive Myrie, a regular newsreader on the national broadcaster, slamming the “fucking idiot” who heckled him during a question and answer session on September 25
The 60-year-old later apologized for his choice of language, but maintained his defense of open debate
Throughout the event, Myrie spoke to other students in attendance about the importance of free speech.
He said: “He proved his point and left. He gets up and leaves. Notice he didn't stay to hear my argument. He stands up, shouts, and you (the audience) applaud. But he doesn't stay to hear what I have to say. It's pathetic.
Later in the exchange, he discussed how he would listen to students' concerns in his new role, but added, “I won't let anyone abandon me. I don't have it. I won't let students molest me.
He adds that he is happy to discuss his journalism in connection with the Hamas-Israel conflict, but is not happy to be “slammed.”
A spokesman for UAL said: “On Wednesday 25 September, Clive Myrie hosted a question and answer session with students to celebrate the start of term.
“During the event, some students expressed their views on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian war. At the beginning of the session, Clive used language that he regrets. Shortly after the event, an apology was sent to participants.
“Clive maintains his view that dialogue should be based on mutual respect. At UAL, we will continue to uphold free speech and encourage constructive conversations on all issues affecting our community.”
We have contacted Myrie and the BBC for comment.
The news presenter earns £310,000 for running the bulletins, as well as an undisclosed fee for Mastermind, which is produced by the corporation's commercial arm BBC Studios
BBC presenter Clive Myrie has apologized for failing to declare profits from eleven corporate events held outside the broadcaster
It came just days after the presenter was forced to apologize for failing to declare at least £65,000 in earnings from corporate events.
The Mastermind host has made money from corporate events over the past 12 months, including speaking at functions organized by Dutch bank ING and the Royal College of Surgeons.
In addition to her £310,000-a-year salary for presenting News At One, News At Six and News At Ten, Myrie earns an undisclosed sum for her work on the game show.
Last year he earned income from a total of eleven events, with nine of them earning between £5,000 and £10,000 and the other two earning more than £10,000, according to the Sunday Times.
From 2021, BBC television stars are required to declare income from external sources.
