Channel 4 News was forced to issue an apology following an unfortunate gaffe in its tribute to Robin Williams on last night’s show.

As the programme played out, a clip from Williams’ 1987 hit ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ was shown.

However, it was a clip which featured the line ‘Why don’t they get a rope and hang me?’

It emerged yesterday that Williams had hanged himself at his home and died from asphyxia, according to the Marin County assistant chief deputy coroner Keith Boyd.

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The news programme has now said sorry for the poorly-timed clip.

“We’d like to apologise for including what was an inappropriate line from ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ in our play-out from tonight’s programme,” read a statement.



“There was no offence intended in what was meant to be a heartfelt tribute to Robin Williams.”

It was among a rash of apologies from various news outlets yesterday, many of whom showed regret over the handling of Williams’ death.

Radio station TalkSPORT was also forced to say sorry after presenter Alan Brazil called Williams’ suicide ‘diabolical’, adding that he had ‘no sympathy’ the for iconic comedian.





He was lambasted by fellow broadcasters on Twitter, including Stan Collymore and Jon Gaunt, who denounced him as ‘ignorant’.

Co-presenter Brian Moore tried to steer Brazil away from his line on the matter, calling his comments ‘harsh’, but he would not be swayed.

“I believe he’s got a daughter as well, what’s she feeling like this morning? Now she’s got to sort the arrangements out. I think it’s just shocking, I really do. I don’t have a lot of sympathy, I’m sorry,” he said.



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A spokeswoman later said: “TalkSPORT apologises for any offence caused. Alan’s comments do not reflect the views of the station.”

US news channel ABC also issued an apology for having a live video stream of an aerial view of Robin Williams’ home on its website, despite the family requesting privacy.

“When we realized there was no news value to the live stream, we took it down immediately. Our intention was not to be insensitive to his family, friends and fans, and for that we apologize,” read a statement.

Another apology came from Fox News anchor Shep Smith who suggested that cowardice may have been behind Williams’ decision to take his own life.





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