Mike Graham, a prominent presenter for Rupert Murdoch's TalkTV, has been dismissed from his role after the company stated he failed to cooperate with an internal investigation into a racist social media post.
The Incident and Immediate Fallout
The controversy began last month when a deeply offensive post appeared on Graham's Facebook account. The post featured an image of a Winston Churchill statue alongside a packed London Underground train, with a caption containing racist language questioning the presence of non-white people.
Graham, 65, was immediately suspended by the broadcaster, which is owned by News UK. He quickly claimed his account had been compromised, stating on his X account: "On Sunday night my Facebook was accessed and a vile message was posted on my page without my knowledge."
The presenter expressed being 'mortified' that such content could have been associated with him and apologised for any distress caused. He insisted the views expressed did not reflect his own and that he had taken steps to enhance his cybersecurity.
Investigation and Dismissal
Despite his initial cooperation promise, TalkTV management became "gravely concerned" about Graham's repeated failure to participate in the company's investigation into the matter. News UK had arranged for an independent forensic firm to assist with the inquiry.
In an official statement, News UK confirmed: "He later reneged on several opportunities to cooperate with the company investigation. We have been gravely concerned at his repeated failure to cooperate on such a serious matter and the decision has been taken that Mike Graham will not return to Talk."
Staff were informed of his dismissal on Wednesday, confirming he would not be returning to the channel.
History of Controversy
This is not the first time Graham has caused difficulties for TalkTV management. In 2022, the channel apologised to mental health charity Mind after Graham made false claims on air that the organisation funded legal fees for asylum seekers.
TalkTV issued an on-air apology admitting they had been "plain wrong" and had failed to offer Mind an opportunity to respond to the allegations at the time.
Graham, who also hosts the Plank of the Week podcast and previously edited the Scottish Daily Mirror, has been contacted for comment regarding his dismissal from TalkTV.
