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BBC presenter forced to resign after 16 years so he can ‘speak out on injustice’
Comedian Robin Ince has resigned from his long-running BBC radio show, claiming his views were ‘in conflict’ with the broadcaster.
The 56-year-old media personality has presented Radio 4’s science show, The Infinite Monkey Cage, alongside Professor Brian Cox since 2009.
Now, in a statement on social media, Ince has announced the ‘saddest day of [his] professional life’ as he confirms he is stepping back from the popular series, described as ‘witty and irreverent’.
‘I never thought I would have to leave the show.
‘I always imagined going on until I dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys,’ he began.
He revealed that he resigned in September after 16 years on the show he helped name and develop.
Ince claimed his ‘opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for some time’, citing his support for the trans community, his criticisms of Donald Trump and other ‘outlandish opinions’ such as once ‘gently criticising Stephen Fry’.
‘These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter,’ he alleged.
He also alleged in a recent meeting, BBC studio execs ‘again voiced problems’ and he felt left with a choice to either remain ‘obedient and quieter’ or resign to ‘have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices.’
‘I chose the latter. I broke my heart,’ he shared.
His love for the show and audience made it a ‘difficult decision to make’ but decided in the face of ‘extremist voices promoting hate and division’ he couldn’t ‘pamper [himself] with the luxury of silence’.
He went on to reference his ‘heroes’ Sinead O’Connor, James Baldwin and Audre Lorde, and his father who raised him to be believe in ‘fairness, justice and kindness’.
He then apologised to his listeners for his departure and reaffirmed his hopes that his departure could make him a ‘better ally’.
Metro understands the BBC rejects Ince’s version of events.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: ‘We would like to thank Robin Ince for everything he’s done for Infinite Monkey Cage over the past 16 years and wish him all the best for the future. We will announce more Monkey Cage news in due course.’
Friends and fans have rallied around Ince after his resignation, praising him for his decision.
‘Can’t imagine how hard it must be to walk away but leading with love makes you truly one of the good guys,’ Sophie Ellis Bextor wrote in the comments.
Comedian Jen Brister added: ‘Robin this will hurt but you can walk towards your next adventure with your head held high.’
Author Heidi Mavir shared: ‘You are a wonderful comic, an amazing writer and a wonderful ally. This is a loss to broadcasting and I am so grateful to you for making this choice. Thank you for leading by example, Robin. You are an absolute legend.’
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