Facebook: Ant Middleton
)Former British soldier turned television presenter Ant Middleton has been dropped by the UK's Channel 4 after criticism over comments he made about COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Middleton, who also hosted SAS Australia on Channel Seven, announced on social media that he had decided to leave the UK station where he hosted the show SAS: Who Dares Wins.
However, Channel 4 said in a statement it had dropped the presenter over his "personal conduct".
The move came after a number of controversial statements from the former soldier.
In March last year, he encouraged his social media followers to not change their lifestyles as coronavirus cases across the globe surged.
Later in the year, he again drew criticism for his remarks about the Black Lives Matter movement in London, where he branded protesters "scum".
He apologised for the remarks, which he said were misinterpreted.
However, Channel 4 said it and Middleton's "values" did not match.
"Following a number of discussions Channel 4 and Minnow Films have had with him in relation to his personal conduct, it has become clear that our views and values are not aligned and we will not be working with him again," the company said.
In a post on social media, Middleton said he was walking away from the show and he was excited for the rest of the year.
"After five incredible years, I've decided it's time to move on from SAS: Who Dares Wins UK," he said.
"Thanks to everyone that took part and made the show what it is.
"Really excited about the future and what's coming this year."
He indicated in a separate post that he was not fired by the company.
Fellow presenter and media personality Piers Morgan posted his disgust that Channel 4 "fired" Middleton.
"Fired??? All will be revealed," Mr Middleton replied.
