Capital’s Ant Payne says sorry over insensitive joke about Turkey

Capital Drivetime host Ant Payne has come under fire after saying it’s the best time to get cheap flights to Turkey.

He made the comment on his show yesterday as the death toll continues to increase from the earthquake in the country and Syria.

Talking between songs, 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!”

Listeners took to social media to criticise the comments, with many expressing their anger.

Ant originally said: “Except I said nothing of the sort” but later deleted the tweet.

On Tuesday morning the presenter 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.”

Capital haven’t commented on the situation, but the catch-up version of the show has been removed from Global Player.

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 Payne (@ant_man_go) February 14, 2023