Adam Boulton issues grovelling apology after Ann Widdecombe virginity comments | UK | News
Political commentator apologized on social media for his comments (Image: Getty)
Former Sky News presenter Adam Boulton has been forced to apologize for comments made about Ann Widdecombe in the hours following the alleged murder. Boulton sparked outrage online by describing Widdecombe as a “spinster”, “old maid”, “battleaxe” and “creative”.
Boulton admitted that he had been “insensitive” and “incompetent” in many of his speeches that appeared in the press following the death of the Conservative Party minister. Boulton said: “She was a complete spinster, I think in the end you’d probably describe her as an old maid. Rumor had it she claimed to be a virgin.”
A murder investigation was launched after Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home on July 9. (Image: Getty)
He initially defended his words, adding: “Widders himself never gilded the lilies, and would have expected nothing less.”
But following the backlash to his “insensitive” comments, the Times Radio regular was quick to share an apology on social media.
“I was seriously inaccurate and insensitive in one of several statements I made to the media yesterday in response to the death of Ann Widdecombe.”
He continued: “The first word I got of him was that I misunderstood the timing and tone of my portrait.”
He continued: “I also know that a lot of people loved him because he became a later showbiz star. His untimely death is a terrible thing.”
“My erroneous view was that, in the context of the constant flow of news, I was being asked to contribute as an obituary writer who had known and interacted with him since the 1980s. This approach was premature.”
“At no point did I express my personal feelings about him, that is not what I did. I was discussing his life based on the record of known facts and what he said about himself, as well as some memories of our personal interactions. My choice of words at that moment was clumsy. I did not intend to offend, as I clearly did.”
Adam Boulton describes Ann Widdecombe as a ‘spinster’ (Image: Getty)
Mr Boulton’s initial comments about the late politician’s personal life were met with intense backlash.
Former Olympic swimmer and women’s rights campaigner Sharron Davies condemned the reporter’s comments, screaming: “These men are truly despicable. I disagree with Ann Widdecombe on many issues, but these are very unpleasant and unnecessary comments.”
“Staying true to his beliefs and working extremely hard would also be enough. Believe people when they show you who they are.”
Political commentator Nicholas Lissack also showed his anger at Boulton’s comments, writing about
Miss Widdecombe was found dead at her home with “serious injuries” and a manhunt is now underway to find her killer.
A 26-year-old British man was arrested but released and “is no longer part of the investigation.”
It is believed Ms Widdecombe was attacked 24 hours before she was found dead and could not be contacted after failing to appear for a video interview on Channel 5 on Wednesday afternoon.
A local person also reported seeing a strange man dressed in walking clothes near Ms Widdecombe’s property in the early hours of the morning on the day she is believed to have died.
