Broadcaster Adam Boulton has apologized for what he described as "wrong and insensitive" remarks made on television about former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who was found murdered on Thursday.
Boulton, a political commentator and former Sky News presenter, issued the apology on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday. He admitted his comments, made live on air about Widdecombe following news of her death, were "shameful" and "vile."
Widdecombe, 78, a former MP and MEP, is believed to have been attacked at her remote bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Wednesday. Her body was discovered the following evening by a gardener.
During television coverage of the murder probe, Boulton referred to Widdecombe as "very much a spinster" and suggested that by the end of her life, she could be described as "an old maid." He also commented on her personal life, referencing her past claims of being a virgin and a "chaste but doomed relationship" with a banker.
Boulton's remarks drew criticism online, with users on X calling his comments "despicable" and "truly vile." Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's Shadow Chancellor and a former Conservative Immigration Minister, stated that Boulton had shown "his true colours."
In his apology, Boulton stated he was "seriously wrong and insensitive" in one of the media appearances made in the wake of Widdecombe's death. He explained that his "choice of words on the spur of the moment was clumsy" and that he did not intend to offend, though he acknowledged that he had.
He added that he "of course" shares the "horror at Ms Widdecombe's murder" and has "respect" for her "remarkable and feisty political career." He also acknowledged her "subsequent showbiz stardom" and called her death "horrible."
Boulton clarified that his comments were not personal feelings but an attempt to discuss her life based on known facts and her own statements, along with personal recollections. He also apologized to Sky News and Times Radio for any criticism they received due to his mistake.
Authorities confirmed that a 26-year-old man arrested on Friday in connection with Widdecombe's death was released from custody on Saturday morning and is no longer part of the investigation. Devon and Cornwall Police stated that their "priority" remains identifying those responsible for the politician's death, describing the case as "moving at significant pace."
New details emerged on Saturday regarding the timeline of events leading up to the discovery of Widdecombe's body. Alarm bells were raised when she failed to appear for a pre-arranged interview on Channel 5's "Matt Allwright" show on Wednesday at 1 p.m. A researcher for the show had spoken with Widdecombe earlier that afternoon, with her last message received at 12:19 p.m. When she did not respond to a subsequent message at 12:48 p.m. or subsequent calls and messages, concerns were raised by the research team. The researcher contacted Widdecombe's agent, who subsequently found her body on Thursday evening.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the deployment of all necessary resources to establish the full circumstances of the incident. He requested that the public avoid speculation, particularly on social media, to prevent harm to the investigation and distress to Widdecombe's family and friends, who have asked for privacy.
Police have established a major incident public portal on their website for the submission of information, images, or footage. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.