Channel 4 newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy has apologised “unreservedly” to Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker after swearing at him in an “unguarded moment”.
The broadcaster said the remark followed a “robust interview” with Mr Baker but it was “beneath the standards I set myself”.
On Thursday Channel 4 said the news presenter had been placed off air for a week.
In a statement they said: “Channel 4 has a strict code of conduct for all its employees, including its programming teams and on-air presenters, and takes any breaches seriously.
“Following an off-air incident Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been taken off air for a week.”
After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air. While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly. I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry
— Krishnan Guru-Murthy (@krishgm) October 19, 2022
The remark came after yet another tumultuous day in Westminster which saw Suella Braverman resign as home secretary.
During an off-air moment after his exchange with Mr Baker, Guru-Murthy was heard to say “what a c***”.
He later tweeted: “After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air.
“While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly.
I appreciate you apologising. Thank you.
— Steve Baker MP FRSA 🗽 (@SteveBakerHW) October 19, 2022
“I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry.”
Baker later replied to the tweet accepting the apology.
“I appreciate you apologising. Thank You,” he wrote.
