BBC star Clive Myrie rages at ‘lunatic’ heckler over ‘spreading Israeli propaganda’
This is the disturbing moment BBC’s Clive Myrie lost his cool and lashed out at a pro-Palestine protestor.
Footage has emerged of the newsreader calling a heckler a ‘f****** idiot’ during a Q&A at University of the Arts London (UAL) on September 25.
A student interrupted the UAL public debate over accusations that the TV anchor spreads ‘Israeli propaganda’.
It came after Myrie’s appointment as Chancellor of the university was protested by some students, who have branded him as a ‘Zionist’.
‘I have a f****** idiot shout at me in public and then leave. He does not want to hear the other side,’ he said moments after the heated exchange.
The 60-year-old later apologised for his language but stood by his defence of open debate.
Throughout the event Myrie spoke with other studentsabout the importance of free speech.
Addressing the incident, he said: ‘He has made his point and he has left. Stands up and he has left.
‘He has not stayed to listen to my argument, notice. Stands up, shouts, you (the audience) applaud.
‘But he does not stay to hear what I have got to say. That is pathetic.’
Later on in the exchange, Myrie discussed how he will listen to whatever concerns students have as part of his new role.
But he added: ‘I am not having anyone walk out on me. I am not having it. I am not going to be abused by students.’
A UAL spokesperson said Myrie’s apology was later send to all attendees after the event ended.
‘On Wednesday, September 25, Clive Myrie held a Q&A session with students to mark the start of the term,’ the statement from the university said.
‘During the event, some students expressed their views on the ongoing war in Israel-Palestine. At the start of the session, Clive used language he regrets. His apology was sent to attendees shortly after the event ended.
‘Clive stands by his sentiment that dialogue should be rooted in mutual respect. At UAL, we will continue to uphold freedom of expression and encourage constructive conversations about all topics in our community.’
Metro has contacted Myrie and the BBC.
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