ITN anchor Alastair Stewart ‘offered to apologise privately’ to his accuser in ‘angry ape’ race row

ITN anchor Alastair Stewart ‘offered to apologise privately’ to his accuser in ‘angry ape’ race row but bosses said it would ‘not be enough’ to save his 40-year career

  • Mr Stewart’s accuser said an apology would have been ‘more than sufficient’
  • Martin Shapland, 34, from east London, complained about ‘angry ape’ tweet
  • Friends have said veteran presenter had not received a warning from HR before 

Veteran ITV newsreader Alastair Stewart ‘offered to apologise privately’ to his accuser before bosses forced him out, it has been claimed.

But the channel’s longest serving presenter was allegedly told this would not be enough to save his job of more than 40 years. 

The 67-year-old’s feet were held to the fire by bosses after viewer Martin Shapland, 34, complained about his tweet quoting a Shakespeare passage that contained the phrase ‘angry ape’.

He has since tweeted that a private apology from Mr Stewart would have been ‘more than sufficient’. 

Fellow presenters have rallied around Mr Stewart with BBC broadcaster Andrew Neil declaring that ‘the only explanation can be the ITN suits wanted him out – and seized their chance’.

Alastair Stewart, 67, was told by bosses that his private apology would not be enough

However his accuser Martin Shapland, 34, a lobbyist from east London, has tweeted that a private apology would have been 'more than sufficient'

However his accuser Martin Shapland, 34, a lobbyist from east London, has tweeted that a private apology would have been ‘more than sufficient’

Mr Stewart had asked bosses whether he could apologise to his accuser privately, a friend told the Sunday Times, but they said this was not enough.

A friend also told the paper that despite ITV accusing him of ‘errors of judgement’ he had not previously received a single official warning from HR. 

Mr Shapland, a lobbyist from east London, had said that ‘a private apology would have been more than sufficient’ and that he ‘takes no pleasure’ in the resignation. 

Stewart's decision to step down comes after a black Twitter user claimed he 'called him an angry ape' three weeks ago. Martin Shapland later branded Stewart a 'disgrace'

Stewart’s decision to step down comes after a black Twitter user claimed he ‘called him an angry ape’ three weeks ago. Martin Shapland later branded Stewart a ‘disgrace’

Presenters have rallied to support Mr Stewart and claimed ITV has hung him out to dry. He is pictured above with broadcasters including Emily Maitlis, Katie Derham, Mary Nightingale, and Natasha Kaplinsky

Presenters have rallied to support Mr Stewart and claimed ITV has hung him out to dry. He is pictured above with broadcasters including Emily Maitlis, Katie Derham, Mary Nightingale, and Natasha Kaplinsky

A petition to get Mr Stewart re-instated has received more than 70,000 signatures

A petition to get Mr Stewart re-instated has received more than 70,000 signatures

Presenters have come out in support of Mr Stewart including Ranvir Singh (pictured)

Presenters have come out in support of Mr Stewart including Ranvir Singh (pictured)

Stewart is the latest big name to join TV news disruptor GB News 

Andrew Neil will lead new 24-hour news channel to rival BBC and Sky aiming to reach those who feel ‘unheard’ by the media. He will present a show four nights a week.

And it has brought in big names ahead of its launch, including new signing Mr McCoy, Sky News anchor Colin Brazier and new MailOnline columnist Dan Wootton, formerly of The Sun and talkRADIO. 

The broadcaster will be the face and chairman of GB News, announcing its birth last year while also signalling the end of his relationship with the BBC, where he has been one of the most respected political interviewers. 

It had been due to launch on Freeview this month, but has now been delayed until later of the year.

Political interviewer and former Sunday Times editor Mr Neil recently dismissed speculation that he was in the running to be the next BBC chairman, saying on Twitter that he has ‘no interest in the job’.

At a time when the BBC and commercial media companies are cutting jobs, GB News said it hopes to create at least 120 positions. 

 The Shakespearean quote used by Mr Stewart references how a person can lose their sight with anger and refuse to listen to others, as opposed to making racial comparisons.

A change.org petition demanding Mr Stewart gets his job back and that his accuser makes a public apology has already been signed more than 70,000 times. 

‘Alastair Stewart has been ridiculously forced to quit his role on ITV after 40 years due to Martin Shapland accusing him of calling him ‘an angry ape’ after quoting Shakespeare,’ it reads.

‘Despite no direct conversation on Twitter between the two and with Martin using racism as an offence.

‘It’s not racist either, Martin needs to take account the evolution of apes to humans of all races. Martin needs to publicly apologise and Alastair needs to have his job reinstated!’ 

Mr Shapland tweeted on January 30: ‘I consider the matter to be closed, accept Mr Stewart’s expression of regret and wish him the best for the future.’

One on the UK’s best known news broadcasters, who asked not be named, told MailOnline on Thursday: ‘It’s an absolute shambles and a disgrace. 

‘I don’t know if this is cover for something else – if someone wanted him out anyway they should have allowed a more gracious retirement – but it gives our industry a bad name and a bad look. Intolerant, obtuse, disloyal and illiterate’.

ITV bosses are said to have been nervous about the presenter’s social media activity, after he also tweeted followers on issues such as anti-Semitism and the environment.

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.

Alastair Stewart and Martin Shapland: The transcript 

Here is the exchange on Twitter between Alastair Stewart and Martin Shapland on January 13:

Alastair Stewart: ‘The Queen’s father, George VI, died at Sandringham. It is a place of poignancy for her.’

Martin Shapland: ‘I imagine all of her castles and palaces are poignant in some way. Let’s not stop to wonder why one family gets to have so many palatial homes at taxpayers’ expense though. Might realise what a scam it is.’

AS: ‘I’m guessing you haven’t read much history.’

MS: ‘Well I have a degree in it so sure, let’s just make stuff up?’

AS: ‘This is your last chance. As a student of history you should know the basis of the financial relationship between the Crown and the taxpayer. It was sealed with the Civil List which was subsequently replaced by the Sovereign Grant and finessed by the John Major tax deal.’

MS: ‘The civil list was abolished in 2010. So on the ball.’

AS: ‘But man, proud man, / Dress’d in a little brief authority, / Most ignorant of what he’s most assur’d – / His glassy essence – like an angry ape, / Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven, / As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens, / Would all themselves laugh mortal’

MS: ‘Just an ITV newsreader referring to me as an ape with the cover of Shakespeare. Measure for measure, Alistair is a disgrace.’

AS: *Halo emoji*

MS: ‘He’s even done his own version of ‘innocent face’. Could I ask what ITV, ITV News and Geoff Hill think of this?’

The early morning Twitter row between Martin Shapland and Alastair Stewart began on January 13 when Alastair Stewart referred to the importance of Sandingham to the Queen, where she was meeting Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry. Mr Shapland then tweeted about how much the royals cost the taxpayer. The broadcaster was drawn into the row over funding which culminated in the presenter quoting the Shakespeare quote that cost him his job yesterday

The early morning Twitter row between Martin Shapland and Alastair Stewart began on January 13 when Alastair Stewart referred to the importance of Sandingham to the Queen, where she was meeting Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry. Mr Shapland then tweeted about how much the royals cost the taxpayer. The broadcaster was drawn into the row over funding which culminated in the presenter quoting the Shakespeare quote that cost him his job yesterday