Antisemitic Comments by The Apprentice Candidate Sparks Backlash Against BBC

The BBC faced backlash for broadcasting episodes of The Apprentice featuring candidate Asif Munaf, who was accused of making “a stream of anti-Jewish” comments on social media.

Despite continued controversy, television executives decided not to pull the episodes from airing.

Asif Munaf’s Antisemitic Remarks

Dr. Munaf, a former NHS doctor now running his own wellness brand, made several antisemitic comments on social media.

He referred to Zionism as a “satanic cult” and compiled a list of “sadistic doctors” supporting the “Zionist genocide.”

He also described Zionists as “odiously ogre-like” and criticized the “Zionist PR machine” as “slimy.”

BBC’s Response and Training

The BBC sent Dr. Munaf on an equalities training course after being alerted to his tweets, which occurred after filming for The Apprentice had concluded.

A BBC spokesperson stated that had they known about the posts before filming, Dr. Munaf would not have been included in the show.

Despite the training, Dr. Munaf continued to make controversial remarks about the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

Criticism of BBC’s Handling

Former BBC Television director Danny Cohen criticized the BBC’s training, stating that it “clearly did not work,” citing Dr. Munaf’s continued offensive remarks.

Cohen argued that the BBC’s inaction sends a message that racism towards Jews has no consequences and that fame can be achieved on the BBC despite holding views reminiscent of Nazi propaganda.

Community and Media Responses

Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the BBC’s decision, questioning how Jewish viewers feel when they see someone with such views on national television.

Director of the Board of Deputies Marie Van der Zyl criticized the BBC’s response as “extremely poor,” emphasizing that the corporation should prioritize combatting prejudice over viewing figures.

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