Apologetic Yates quits TOTP role

BBC PRESENTER Reggie Yates has withdrawn from hosting the Christmas edition of Top of The Pops over remarks he made about “fat Jewish” managers in the music business.

In a statement on his official Twitter page on Monday, the Radio 1 host and TV presenter described his remarks as “ill-considered” and acknowledged they had “hurt many people”.

He tweeted: “I can clearly see the words I used reinforced offensive stereotypes and that there is no context which would justify such remarks.

“My comments are no reflection on how I truly feel and I would like to apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community, people in the music industry and anyone else I have affected.

“This has been and continues to be a huge learning experience for me and on reflection I have taken the decision to step down from hosting Top Of The Pops this year.” Mr Yates had been due to appear alongside presenter Fearne Cotton on the show that is due to be broadcast on December 25.

He made the controversial comments on an internet podcast last month discussing how current “grime” music stars differ from their predecessors.

Mr Yates said: “The thing that makes it great about this new generation of artists is that they ain’t signing to majors. They’re independent, they’re not managed by some random fat Jewish guy from north west London, they’re managed by their brethren.”

His remarks were condemned by the Community Security Trust, who said they reinforced antisemitic stereotypes.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We take these issues very seriously and Reggie is in no doubt about the BBC’s view of his comments.” JC.