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Privacy NoticeBelle Donati, a presenter for Sky News, has been axed after making highly controversial remarks on-air. Her contract with the network wasn’t reportedly renewed following the intense backlash from her Holocaust analogy made in January during an interview with the Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon. During the segment, she said something that was later flagged as utterly unsuitable and offensive. Swift action followed from Sky News, which included a heartfelt apology shortly after the regrettable incident. Jonathan Samuels, stepping in front of the camera, told viewers: “In an interview earlier today with Israeli politician Danny Danon, a Sky News presenter made a comparison between Mr Danon’s comments on Israel’s war with Hamas and the treatment of Jewish people in the Holocaust.
Belle Donati has reportedly been axed from Sky News
(Image: Sky News screengrab)
“Sky News recognised the complete inappropriateness of this comparison and the offensive nature of those comments.” He clarified, adding that the network “would like to apologize unreservedly for the comparison and to Mr Danon personally for making the comparison”, reports the Express. Since it all unfolded at the start of the year, Belle hasn’t been seen on Sky, and her presence on social media has also taken a pause. The on-air moment led to allegations of antisemitism aimed at her by Danny Danon, who has made a recent comeback at the United Nations. OK! has contacted Sky News for comment. Belle had a backlash over her take on an op-ed by Danny featured in New York’s Wall Street Journal, where she lashed out: “You suggested the ethnic cleansing of some of Gaza’s population to Western countries that would accept the refugees.” Danny hit back, insisting he would “not allow” the phrase “ethnic cleansing” to be used, making it clear his article was about “voluntary immigration”. The TV presenter then shot back with a controversial quip: “The sort of voluntary relocation of many Jewish people during the Holocaust, I imagine” which ignited outrage. “Shame on you for that comparison,” Danon retorted, demanding an apology from her.
Belle during the ill-fated talk with Danny Donas
(Image: Sky News)
Sign up to OK’s TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free Later, Danny disclosed on X that he had called for the “immediate termination” of Belle’s contract as a news anchor. His letter to David Rhodes, Sky News Group’s executive chairman, demonstrated his disdain for what he described as “deeply disturbed by the anti-semitic rhetoric”. “I found it particularly distressing when she audaciously likened the present situation in Gaza to the Holocaust, the largest premeditated mass murder of Jews in history,” Danny expressed with dismay. Danon also claimed her X feed showed “a discernable bias and clear anti-Israel stance”, pointing out her numerous posts “expressing opposition to Israel’s legitimate defense of its citizens after the tragic events of October 7th”.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnIn the News
