BBC suspends gay reporter pending an investigation into his public criticism of the broadcaster.
Andy West, a gay man, who works for BBC Northern Ireland was suspended after posting on his Facebook that he was “ashamed” to work for the broadcaster.
It followed the BBCs decision to nominate at a late stage, world champion boxer Tyson Fury for its annual Sports Personality of the Year Award after winning his World Heavyweight Boxing Championship fight against Wladimir Klitschko last month.
In an interview with the Mail on Sunday Fury said: “There are only three things that need to be accomplished before the devil comes home: one of them is homosexuality being legal in countries, one of them is abortion and the other one’s paedophilia.”
He has also been accused of sexism after a video emerged of him saying Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill “slaps up good”.
Adding: “A woman’s best place is in the kitchen and on her back – that’s my personal belief.”
Mr West wrote in his original Facebook post: “My employer is hurting me and other gay people by celebrating someone who considers me no better than a paedophile and who believes homosexual people are helping to bring about the end of the world.
“It’s tempting to see him for the laughable idiot he is but sadly there are many other idiots who will be inspired and encouraged by his naive, juvenile bigotry.
“I am ashamed to work for the BBC when it lacks bravery to admit it is making a mistake.”
Later on Twitter Mr West confirmed he had been suspended by the BBC pending investigation and could not say anymore.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are investigating a hate crime allegation against the boxer.
To sign the petition in support of Mr West, click here:
Over a hundred and thirty thousand people have also signed a Change.org petition calling for Fury’s removal from the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year shortlist over his sexist and homophobic remarks.
To sign the petition to remove Fury from BBC shortlist, click here:
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