EXCLUSIVE: Apprentice contestant says sorry for sick anti-Jewish slurs – then REPEATS them

A contestant on the new season of The Apprentice, who issued an apology via the BBC for posting sick anti-Jewish slurs on social media before appearing on the show, this week DOUBLED DOWN on his offensive remarks.

Dr Asif Munaf, who offers a ‘bespoke vitamin and supplement range’ on his website, apologised for “any offence caused” after claiming “the Zionist PR machine is slimy” and referencing “the Zionist antichrist”. He also posted the question: “Have you ever met even a semi-average looking Zionist? Aren’t they all odiously ogre-like?” and made disparaging comments about Hindus.

A spokesperson for The Apprentice said: “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.”

Despite this, Munaf took to social media on Monday to relaunch his hateful tirade against the ‘Zionist lobby” and post messages of support for Wahid Shaida, the UK head of newly-outlawed Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Munaf is set to appear in the 18th series of The Apprentice, which airs from Thursday 1 February. Candidates compete in a series of tasks to win financial support for their own business idea from Jewish entrepreneur Sir Alan Sugar.

A statement from Munaf provided by the press team behind the TV series 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.”