Sunday Times sack columnist Kevin Myers for 'anti-semitic and sexist' article

Move follows a storm of criticism over article's content

Picture: The Sunday Times (Ireland)/ClipShare

The Sunday Times has sacked columnist Kevin Myers, following the publication of an article criticised as sexist and anti-Semitic.

The newspaper received a storm of criticism after running the column in its Irish edition.

Mr Myers suggested stars Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz earned more money at the BBC because they were Jewish.

The Campaign Against anti-Semitism and vigorously criticised the decision to publish the article and took their complaints to News UK, who own the Sunday Times.

His article defended the gender pay gap at the BBC, and he said men usually work harder, get sick less frequently and seldom get pregnant.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Kevin Myers will not write again for The Sunday Times Ireland.

"A printed apology will appear in next week's paper."

Editor Martin Ivens said he has apologised personally to Ms Feltz and Ms Winkleman for these "unacceptable comments both to Jewish people and to women in the workplace".

He added: "It has been taken down and we sincerely apologise, both for the remarks and the error of judgment that led to publication."

Frank Fitzgibbon, editor of the Sunday Times Ireland, said the column contained views that caused considerable distress and upset to a number of people.

"As the editor of the Ireland edition, I take full responsibility for this error of judgement.

"This newspaper abhors anti-Semitism and did not intend to cause offence to Jewish people."

Referring to the salaries of Ms Feltz and Ms Winkleman, Mr Myers wrote: "Good for them. Jews are not generally noted for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest possible price, which is the most useful measure there is of inveterate, lost-with-all-hands stupidity."

Mr Myers has a history of writing controversial comments and has previously denied the Holocaust.