Journalist at centre of Tyson Fury row will not return to BBC
Andy West thanked his supporters for helping him through ‘a very difficult time.”
Heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury was controversially nominated for the BBC’s Sports ‘Personality’ award last year – despite claiming that homosexuality and paedophilia will bring about the apocalypse.
The boxer has simultaneously stood by his comments and denied being homophobic – while also claiming that sex with children was legalised by a fictional ‘Gay Rights Act 1977‘.
BBC journalist Andy West was controversially suspended after posting on Facebook about the controversy.
West took to social media to express his concerns that the BBC “is hurting me and other gay people by celebrating someone who considers me no better than a paedophile”.
The Newsline journalist was quickly suspended, initially claiming that he was banned from making any further comments.
The award-winning journalist – who broke his silence on the issue last month – took to his Facebook account once again yesterday to say he was sorry to confirm that he had left the BBC for good, before thanking his followers for their support during “a very difficult time.”
“There are moments in life when you have to choose between your principles and your contract, money and your beliefs, security and what you feel is right,” he wrote.
“I am sorry to have left the BBC and I will sorely miss the incredible team at BBC NI.
“They are a fantastic newsroom and I am blessed to have worked with them all,” he added.
“I sincerely hope to work for the BBC again. It is a precious institution and I know its custodians will take great care not to damage its reputation as the home of free and fair thought.”
The news will come as a disappointment to West’s supporters – after nearly 7,000 people signed a petition to have him reinstated.
Fury is yet to apologise for his comments, despite claiming it was never his intention to “hurt anyone’s feelings.”
Shockingly, the boxer is yet to be held accountable for his behaviour in a professional capacity.
The police, the BBC and the boxing’s leading authority have all refused to punish the boxer, despite the obvious damage his language has caused.
