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Apprentice star posts about ‘fascist Zionism’ after BBC sent him on diversity training
Dr Asif Munaf, a former NHS doctor said Zionists are ‘a godless, satanic cult’
January 31, 2024 14:21
By, Rosa Doherty
2 min read
Dr Asif Munaf, a former NHS doctor said Zionists are ‘a godless, satanic cult’
January 31, 2024 14:21ByRosa Doherty, Rosa Doherty
A former NHS doctor and contestant on The Apprentice has been sent on diversity and inclusion training after being accused of making antisemitic posts on X/Twitter.
Last year, following the October 7 massacre, he wrote that Zionists are “a godless, satanic cult” and said of his children: “I pray they are strong enough physically, spiritually and psychologically to overcome the trial of the Zionist antichrist.”
Dr Munaf, who quit the NHS and now runs his own wellness company, is one of the contestants in the 18th series of the BBC One show, which starts tomorrow night.
A spokesman for The Apprentice told the Telegraph: “After filming had taken place, we were made aware of concerns over social media posts that Asif had made after he had left the process.
“As soon as we were alerted, we took immediate action and spoke to Asif in detail on this. Asif took part in specialised training to understand why his posts may cause offence. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment on and off screen.”
A source told the paper: “Had this content been posted before filming took place, Asif would not have been included in the show.”
In a statement, Dr Munaf said: “I apologise for any offence caused by my online content/social media. It was not my intention to offend anyone, and I am of course open to all views. The beliefs I hold and have shared are based on the values that I was brought up with.”
However, as recently as Wednesday Dr Munaf was still tweeting about “Zionists.”
Just this week he tweeted: “The Zionist mask is falling, and the world is waking up.
“How this tiny European neo-colonial settler project has shamelessly weaponised the horror of the Holocaust to push another fascist ideology based on racial supremacy is disturbing. This itself is a form of antisemitism.”
Many of his tweets are about the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Dr Munaf’s social media posts were first highlighted by the Jewish News after he was featured on Dragon’s Den.
Posting about Zionists he said: “Have you ever met even a semi-average looking Zionist? Aren’t they all odiously ogre-like?”
As a contestant on The Apprentice, Dr Munaf, who is from Sheffield, will be pitching to Lord Sugar to invest £250,000 in a business selling vitamins.
In the first episode of The Apprentice, he introduces himself by saying: “I’ve got an extremely high IQ. I’ve got an extremely high bench press. And, to top it off, I’m quite good on the eyes.”
Lord Sugar, who has been vocal about antisemitism would not answer a question about Dr Munaf at a press conference promoting the latest series.
At the launch of The Apprentice on Tuesday Lord Sugar insisted that “the cream rises to the top at the end of the process,” when talking about the winner.
Dr Munaf has been approached for comment.