Sky News Australia has axed its new program Freya Fires Up after just six weeks on the air, following a guest’s Islamophobic stunt.
The network confirmed that the show, hosted by Freya Leach, has been cancelled following an incident where guest Ryan Williams wore bacon rashers on his shoulders to “protect” himself from “terrorists”.
Williams, a Scottish-born UK influencer was introduced by Leach as a “social media sensation” before he made the anti-Islam comments.
Following the stunt, Sky News launched an internal review.
“We have undertaken a thorough internal review, implemented its recommendations and taken appropriate action with everyone involved in this incident,” a spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We took immediate action during the live broadcast to cut off the guest, our host promptly apologised, and we ensured the content was not published or republished to any of our digital platforms.”
The segment was pulled from air just one minute into the live broadcast on Sunday.
“I’ve just been told we have to apologise for what was just aired, those comments earlier,” Leach told viewers shortly after.
While the network confirmed they have pulled the plug on Freya Fires Up, Leach is still the host of The Late Debate.
On Monday Leach also apologised on The Late Debate.
It was initially reported that Sky News Australia would pre-record Freya Fires Up after Williams’ appearance, before they ultimately pulled it off-air.
“Sky News Australia apologises unreservedly for the deeply offensive comments made by a guest during a live broadcast on Sunday evening,” the news outlet said last week.
“We recognise the harm such rhetoric can cause and take full responsibility for this failure in our editorial processes.”
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