TalkSport apologises for Alan Brazil's 'harsh' on air Robin Williams comments
TalkSport host Alan Brazil has been condemned on social media, with internet users calling for him to be sacked, after he said he had “no sympathy” for deceased actor Robin Williams, live on air.
Brazil came under fire for the comments almost immediately
Brazil, who admitted he was initially upset when he thought Take That star Robbie Williams had died, said: “And then when she said 'Robin', I thought, 'Oh, ok'. It didn’t hit me hard like it would if it had been Robbie. Thank God it wasn’t."
The TalkSport host then controversially criticised Williams for the alleged suicide: "I believe he’s got a daughter as well, what’s she feeling like this morning?"
Brazil added: "Now she’s got to sort the arrangements out. I think it’s shocking, I really do. I don’t have a lot of sympathy, I’m sorry."
After a viewer backlash towards his views, Brazil said: "It might be [harsh] but that's the way I feel. What he leaves behind is diabolical, I’m really annoyed about that."
TalkSport representatives have apologised on behalf of long-time presenter Brazil although they did not state whether he will face any punishment for his comments.
A TalkSport spokesman told the Independent: "TalkSport would like to apologise for any offence caused. Alan’s comments do not reflect the views of the station."
Outraged listeners took to Twitter to complain about Brazil's views.
I'm pleased for Alan Brazil that his mental health is such he can't begin to contemplate the effects of depression and how it takes hold
— BartyOwl (@TheBartman277) August 12, 2014
@talkSPORT Sack Alan Brazil immediately. That is totally unacceptable. What do you think @StanCollymore ? — Tom Forster (@Tom090691) August 12, 2014
Alan Brazil hang your head in shame. Also whoever was producer on @talkSPORT show should have pulled the plug. Disgusting. — TheWack (@TheWack72) August 12, 2014
TalkSport at the start of the year boasted 3.2 million listeners - a record-breaking figure for the radio broadcaster.