Robin Williams dead: TalkSport apologises for Alan Brazil after presenter says he has 'no sympathy' for actor following 'suicide'
Followers on Twitter called for the presenter to be sacked after his "ignorant" comments about depression
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.TalkSport has apologised on behalf of Alan Brazil, after the presenter stated live on air that he has “no sympathy” for suicide.
Speaking during a segment on his breakfast show this morning (12 August), Brazil implied that Robin Williams, who was found dead in his home yesterday (11 August), had been selfish in his apparent decision to take his own life, and said that the situation he left his family in was “diabolical”.
Brazil started by describing the moment he and his wife first heard the news, saying he initially thought Robbie Williams of Take That had died.
"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."
"I believe he’s got a daughter as well, what’s she feeling like this morning?" he continued, despite his co-presenter attempting to steer the conversation back on track with a general comment about suicide never being "an easy matter".
"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 his views were countered on air, Brazil bluntly replied: "It might be [harsh] but that's the way I feel.
"What you leave behind is diabolical, I’m really annoyed about that."
His comments were heavily criticised by listeners on Twitter, who questioned his ignorance about depression, and called for him to be sacked from his job:
The broadcaster has since apologised on behalf of Brazil, although stopped short of confirming whether they would be taking any disciplinary action against him.
"talkSPORT would like to apologise for any offence caused," a spokesperson told The Independent. "Alan’s comments do not reflect the views of the station."
Brazil is, however, no stranger to controversy. In May this year he was accused of making several sexist remarks about female sports journalists.
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