An ITV boss who dressed as a Saudi executioner at Jonathan Ross’ Halloween Party today apologised for causing offence.
Asif Zubairy was accused of “appalling taste” when he turned up in a blood splattered costume apparently mocking the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The 57-year-old, who is head of commissioning for comedy and entertainment at the channel, was also clutching a severed hand and wearing a keffiyeh - middle eastern headscarf - when he arrived at the celebrity bash in north London on Wednesday.
In a statement, Mr Zubairy said of his actions: “I’m a private individual who attended a private party. I realise my Halloween costume may have offended some people, for which I apologise.”
The TV executive has worked with Ross on TV programmes including comedy game show Don’t Ask Me Again.
Mr Khashoggi, who was a fierce critic of the Saudi regime, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month.
