Kelvin Mackenzie's comments about Muslim news presenter are 'tantamount to religious hatred', says Channel 4
'It is wrong to suggest that a qualified journalist should be barred from reporting on a particular story or present on a specific day because of their faith,' says Channel 4
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Channel 4 has condemned Sun columnist Kelvin Mackenzie for questioning why a Muslim presenter wearing a hijab should report on the Nice attacks, calling his comments "offensive" and "completely unacceptable".
Mr Mackenzie, a former editor of the Sun, wrote that he "couldn't believe his eyes" when Muslim news journalist Fatima Manji presented coverage of the terror attack.
In a statement, Channel 4 said: “The comments published in the Sun today by Mr MacKenzie are offensive, completely unacceptable, and arguably tantamount to inciting religious and even racial hatred.
"It is wrong to suggest that a qualified journalist should be barred from reporting on a particular story or present on a specific day because of their faith. Fatima Manji is an award-winning journalist.
"We are proud that she is part of our team and will receive, as ever, our full support in the wake of his comments.”
Baroness Warsi tweeted a letter she sent to the Sun's editor Tony Gallagher criticising the "divisive column".
Mr Mackenzie wrote: "The presenter was not one of the regulars —Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Matt Frei or Cathy Newman — but a young lady wearing a hijab.
"Was it appropriate for her to be on camera when there had been yet another shocking slaughter by a Muslim?"
He continued: "Was it done to stick one in the eye of the ordinary viewer who looks at the hijab as a sign of the slavery of Muslim women by a male-dominated and clearly violent religion?
"Would the C4 editor have used a Hindu to report on the carnage at the golden Temple of Amritsar? Of course not."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments