Ant Middleton furiously spoke out against allegations he was fired from Channel 4 over allegations he was “inappropriate” to female staff.
A number of crew members allegedly raised concerns with Channel 4 and Minnow Films anonymously during an end of year review, The Mirror reported.
Asked about the claims, Channel 4 told the publication: “We can’t comment on anonymous allegations, however, we take issues of welfare very seriously. We clearly set out our expectations of behaviour in our Supplier Code of Conduct. We are satisfied appropriate action has been taken.”
The 40-year-old star, who is the lead host of the show SAS: Who Dares Wins, said on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday that he never “directly” made inappropriate comments to staff on the show.
Asked what the channel meant by his personal conduct towards women, Ant replied by saying bosses would often tell him off for the way he spoke to female contestants but insists he spoke to them in the same way he would to men.
Ant Middleton opened up on what happened on GMB today (Image: ITV)
Ant said: “They’re [Channel 4] coming out with excuses, everything like inappropriate comments it’s like you’re on SAS: Who Dares Wins you know we say inappropriate things and we do inappropriate things that if you get offended by them then so be it.”
Ant continued: “You know the course is a hard course. It’s hardcore, it’s gritty.
“You’re going to see inappropriate things, you’re going to witness inappropriate things, but its never direct.
“When it says ‘inappropriate comments’ it wasn’t direct its what someone has seen on the show and gone, ‘oh I don’t like what they’ve done to that recruit’ and they have made complaints like that.”
Ant spoke to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid (Image: ITV)
Piers then asked: “Just to be clear, Ant. As far as you’re concerned, you were never inappropriate to female crew members for example which appears to be the implication from The Mirror story today.”
Ant then laughed before he said: “No, never direct.
“There’s a new protocol which came in with the health and safety that if they feel offended or want to complain then they can anonymously.
“So it’s obvious it’s something they have seen.”
Ant said he was no inappropriate towards women (Image: Minnow Films/Production Company. Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way. This picture may be used solely for Channel 4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above.)
The star, who learned he had been dropped by Channel 4 on Monday, did however admit that he’s not been the “easiest” person to work with on the programme.
Ant told Piers and co-star Susanna Reid: “I have butted heads with people the last few series. I probably haven’t been easy to work with.”
A statement from Channel 4 to GMB read: “Ant Middleton will not be taking part in future series of SAS: Who Dares Wins. Following a number of discussions Channel 4 and Minnow Films have had with him in relation to his personal conduct it has become clear that our views and values are not aligned and we will not be working with him again.”
Daily Star has contacted Channel 4 for further comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
