Sky News Australia has axed its new program Freya Fires Up after six weeks on the air.
The network has confirmed that the After Dark show, hosted by Freya Leach, has been removed from its schedule following an incident where a guest appeared with bacon on his shoulders and made anti-Islam remarks.
A spokesperson for News Corp Australia, which owns Sky News Australia, said Freya Fires Up will be cancelled after just six episodes.
Leach, 22, will remain a co-host of The Late Debate on Sky.
“During the live broadcast, we acted swiftly to cut off the guest, our host immediately issued an apology, and we did not allow the content to be posted or reposted on any of our digital platforms,” the network stated.
Scottish-born Ryan Williams, 33, appeared on the show on Sunday, September 21.
He was introduced by Leach as a “social media sensation”, before Williams made disparaging remarks about Islam.
The segment was pulled from the air just one minute into the live broadcast.
”I’ve just been told we have to apologise for what was just aired, those comments earlier,” Leach told viewers shortly after.
Leach then apologised during The Late Debate the following Monday.
It was initially reported that Sky News Australia would pre-record Freya Fires Up after Williams’ appearance.
“Sky News Australia offers an unreserved apology for the incredibly offensive statements made by a guest during a live broadcast on Sunday night,” stated Sky last week.
“We recognise the harm such rhetoric can cause and take full responsibility for this failure in our editorial processes.”
The show did not air last night.
