Rachel Riley hit with backlash over 'apology' as fans demand Channel 4 sack Countdown star

Rachel Riley has been slammed on social media after apologising for her comments on the Sydney mall stabbings, with some demanding the presenter is sacked from Countdown.

The mum-of-two, 38, was accused of promoting Islamophobia when she incorrectly suggested that the terrifying attack in which six people lost their lives on Saturday was a Palestinian uprising. The dreadful killing spree was carried out by Joel Cauchi, 40, from Queensland, who police confirmed had mental health issues.

Referencing the original tweet – which has now been deleted and which claimed the shopping mall assault was due to a “globalised Intifada” – in her apology, Rachel expressed regret if her comment had been “misunderstood”. However, some social media users are not accepting her atonement and have asked Channel 4 to dismiss her.

Countdown’s Rachel Riley

Taking to X, sharing a petition to get Rachel sacked, one said: ” Rachel Riley ‘s position on Countdown is untenable – Sign the Petition!” Another posted: “1. Rachel Riley didn’t apologise for the tweet. 2. There was no ‘misunderstanding’. It was Islamophobic full stop! 3. She had a rant in original tweet about protest, intifada and linked it to the Australian attack. 4. She made it about her and how she’s the ‘victim’.”

Meanwhile, a third fumed: “I cannot, in good conscience, remain silent. We must not remain silent. When we see such bigotry, Islamophobia, racism & hatred we must call it out. Rachel Riley must be held accountable for these vile & divisive comments.”

In her lengthy apology following her tweet, Rachel said: “Just to clarify, my intention with this tweet was not to say this attack was caused by any ideation or to link it to Islamic extremism,” she penned.

“At the time we did not know who the attacker was, and as such I made no reference. My aim was to highlight the weekly calls for ‘intifada’ being tolerated in London and around the world , which in actuality means violence on our streets. For six months now, I have avoided taking the Tube, or going with my kids to anywhere near the marches each Saturday, and each week we see the extremist chants on proud display with little outcry.

“Sadly, the type of attack seen in Sydney yesterday is exactly the kind of violence the previous intifada involved and I hope to avoid in future, but in my opinion ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. Attacks on Jews have recently become repackaged as ‘resistance’ in some circles, and we should in one voice condemn all acts of violence, whoever the perpetrators and whoever the victims. I am sorry if this message was misunderstood, that was not my intention.” She restricted those who could comment on the post to only those who she follows, or are mentioned in the tweet.

Rachel, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev, frequently speaks out about anti-semitism and was appointed a MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to Holocaust education.

The Mirror has contacted Channel 4 and Rachel’s reps for comment on this story.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .