CAPITAL FM presenter Ant was read the riot act by Global radio bosses after he mocked the horrific Turkey-Syria earthquake that has killed over 35,000 people.
The Drivetime presenter sparked fury after telling listeners "now was the best time to start looking at some cheap flights to Turkey" to "get their teeth done" following the devastating disaster.
The show – including the vile joke – was initially uploaded to Global's catch-up player before being pulled by radio chiefs amid growing fury.
The Sun can reveal furious bosses at Global HQ had a crisis call with Ant as raging listeners started sharing a clip of his comments on social media after he initially denied making the joke at all.
A source said: "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.
"The fact Ant initially tried to deny he even said it also got people's backs up. He was read the riot act and told in no uncertain terms to unlock his Twitter account and issue a public apology."
One listener tweeted on Monday evening: "Cant believe I just heard @ant_man_go make fun of the #Turkeyearthquake on @CapitalOfficial – he said ‘flight from now for a few years should be cheap to Turkey to get your teeth done’ I wonder how all the Turkish and Syrian communities and victims of this disaster feel about that?"
Just 20 minutes later, Ant replied: "Except I said nothing of the sort…"
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday morning, Ant wrote: "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."
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Ant has been the drive time host on Capital London since 2019.
Speaking on Monday afternoon's show, Ant said: “Now is the best time to start looking at some cheap flights to Turkey, get your teeth done while you're there. You could look 19. You might end up on Love Island this time next year."
One furious listener raged: "Absolutely disgusting!!! Capital FM Sack him! He’s mocking a situation which is so heart-breaking and tragic, where so many people have lost families, homes & livelihoods. Surely you can’t tolerate this type of behaviour."
Another added: "Wow I will NEVER listen to Capital Official again – we need an apology now and I think this DJ and his Production team are suspended with immediate effect. @Ofcom and @radioacademy will be interested in hearing my complaint."
A third hit out: "The audacity to actually deny it though."
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