MacKenzie’s anti-hijab remarks spark outrage

British columnist Kelvin MacKenzie has received more than 1,400 complaints about remarks he made in The Sun criticizing a journalist for wearing a hijab while reporting the Nice attack. Later, the Sun deleted a tweet that promoted the column.

The paper’s former editor questioned whether Fatima Manji should have been allowed to appear on a TV channel.
Channel 4 News said the comments were “completely unacceptable.” Sources said Manji is considering her other legal options.
MacKenzie wrote he could “hardly believe” his eyes when Manji — who normally wears a headscarf — appeared on the news bulletin, reporting form London.
Eighty-four people were killed by French-Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel when he drove a lorry through crowds gathered in Nice to celebrate Bastille Day.
“The comments published in The Sun by Mr. MacKenzie are offensive, completely unacceptable, and arguably tantamount to inciting religious and even racial hatred,” the channel said. “It is wrong to suggest that a qualified journalist should be barred from reporting on a particular story or present on a specific day because of her faith.
“Fatima Manji is an award-winning journalist. We are proud that she is part of our team and will receive, as ever, our full support in the wake of his comments,” the channel said.

Source: Arab News