22 February 2023 , 11:34
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Capital FM have been hit with even more complaints to Ofcom following their presenter Ant Payne making a bad-taste joke about Turkey earlier this month.
The total number of complaints to the broadcasting regulator is now 1,430, as Ofcom receive an additional 863 over the past week in relation to Ant's reference to Turkey, in light of the recent earthquake.
Ant sparked fury after he made the remark while hosting his drivetime show on the radio station last week.
The comment was about booking "cheap flights" to Turkey after the country and neighbouring Syria were hit by two earthquakes.
Ant Payne was reportedly read the riot act by Global bosses (PA)The twin earthquakes have seen 35,000 die in the tragedy.
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In the comment which caused huge upset, Ant said: "I think now actually is the best time to start looking at some cheap flights to Turkey over the next few years.
"You can get your teeth done while you're over there.
"You can come back looking 19 years, you'll be on Love Island next year if you do it!"
He later apologised for the joke, after reportedly being read the riot act by the radio show's bosses.
Ant tweeted: "Hi guys, I want to address the comment I made last night on the show. It was insensitive and ill timed. I would never wish to offend anyone from my shows. My sincere and wholehearted apologies."
Ant went on to apologise (Twitter)Last week, Ofcom's weekly report reveals Ant's show received 567 complaints from upset listeners.
Following the latest report being released, the figure now stands at 1,430.
It has been reported the DJ was "read the riot act" by bosses after the shocking on-air comment.
A source told The Sun : "Ant is keeping his job but Global made it crystal clear the comments were far from acceptable.
"Not only do they make him personally look unsavoury but it also pulls into question the judge of character of the whole station.
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"The fact Ant initially tried to deny he even said it also got people's backs up."
Ant was told to "unlock his Twitter account" and "issue a public apology" following the uproar, the source claimed.
The DJ's comments sparked anger on Twitter as listeners slammed the DJ.
One wrote: "Over 35,000 are dead. A country in mourning. Thousands of people trying to raise money for those affected and this is what @CapitalOfficial says about it. I am in shock and disgusted…"
"During this time of devastation the Turkish community in the UK is in a state of deep mourning To hear a prominent DJ Ant Payne of @CapitalFM make light of the current hardships our people are facing is completely unacceptable and inhumane! #PayneOffAir," another urged.