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Newstalk insiders reveal moment staff were told of George Hook’s suspension

The broadcaster was suspended from the station over his controversial comments about rape

VIPIRELAND.COM

George Hook was suspended by Newstalk this week, after he made controversial comments about rape live on air.

The broadcaster’s suspension came just moments after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar publicly condemned George’s comments in an interview on RTÉ Morning Ireland – however, insiders say the Taoiseach’s remarks had nothing to do with his suspension.

On Friday morning, Adrian Serle, the CEO of Communicorp and owner of Newstalk, told staff that George was suspended

A source told the Irish Sun, “The Taoiseach had nothing to do with it. The process had already started.”

VIPIRELAND.COM

Newstalk later issued a statement, saying, “Newstalk has confirmed that George Hook has been suspended from his duties at the station. The process regarding his comments last week is ongoing.”

The news came after major sponsors, including Tesco and Dalata, ceased advertising during George’s lunchtime show, High Noon.

The Irish Sun has also reported that the 76-year-old was called to a meeting at 8am yesterday, where Adrian Serle told him he was being ­suspended, before informing staff members.

There was immediate relief amongst the staff, and presenter Sean ­Moncrieff tweeted, “This has been an incredibly difficult week at Newstalk. But I’m immensely proud of the professional and brave staff here.”

Yesterday, Sile Seoige weighed in on George’s suspension – and hit out at Newstalk for their treatment of female presenters.

 

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