TalkSPORT host Alan Brazil say he had “no sympathy” for Robin Williams, who was found dead from an apparent suicide yesterday.
TalkSPORT has apologized for and distanced the station from his comments, UK’s ITV News reported:
“TalkSPORT apologises for any offence caused. Alan’s comments do not reflect the views of the station.”
Despite the apology, Brazil stood by his comments, while adding that he does have “sympathy” for Williams’ “family & friends.”
Well done @StanCollymore for retweeting comments about me. I stand by what I said today. The sympathy I do have is for RW’s family & friends
— Alan Brazil (@alanbrazil) August 12, 2014
During the discussion, TalkSPORT co-host Brian Moore said of suicide, “On the one hand people say well it could be a bit of a cowardly act. On the other hand, I would say when you get into a situation where you’re so depressed that that seems the best option for you then that’s gotta be a sad matter.”
Brazil responded in part by saying of Williams, “I believe he’s got a daughter as well, what’s she feeling like this morning? Now she’s got to sort the arrangements out. I think it’s just shocking, I really do. I don’t have a lot of sympathy, I’m sorry.”
He added, “I think what you leave behind is diabolical.”
Listen to his comments below.
Brazil also remarked that when he first heard about Williams’ death, he was confused and thought British performer Robbie Williams died. He said that the news of Robin Williams’ death “didn’t hit me hard like if it had have been Robbie, and thank God it wasn’t.”
Another host for the TalkSPORT network, Stan Collymore, criticized Brazil for his comments.
You’re not a doctor @alanbrazil so your opinion on mental health issues counts for nothing to be fair.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) August 12, 2014
An opinion on a factual illness isn’t an opinion. It’s called ignorance. I can have an opinion that the world is flat.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) August 12, 2014
TalkSPORT is an all-day British sports radio station.
iMediaEthics has written to TalkSPORT for comment. We’ll update with any additional information.
Fox News’ Shepard Smith walked back comments he made last night about Williams, as iMediaEthics previously reported. In reporting on Williams’ death, Smith said “And yet, something inside you is so horrible or you’re such a coward or whatever the reason that you decide that you have to end it. Robin Williams, at 63, did that today.”
Smith apologized to Williams’ family today.
ABC News also apologized today for showing a live video feed of Williams’ home after the news of his death broke. ABC News admitted “there was no news value to the live stream.”
Hat Tip: Marc Blank-Settle