Aldrin Sampear, a journalist and news anchor, has apologised for an alleged road rage incident involving a fellow driver that happened in April.
Sampear, the AM report anchor who was taken off the air by the news channel Newzroom Afrika, apologised on Monday.
Although he insisted that he did not assault the other driver, he acknowledged that he was involved in a traffic incident on April 17 that resulted in a confrontation with another driver.
“Having made time to reflect on these events, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,” said Sampear.
“Although I did not assault the other driver, I believe that I should have been more composed and found a way to de-escalate the situation, and I fell short of the standards I hold myself to.”
Sampear expresses regret
He also expressed regret to the station’s management, coworkers, and viewers.
“I want to express my regret and sincere apologies to our viewers, my colleagues here at Newzroom Afrika, and the management.
“I have worked really hard to make sense of this experience and the root cause of my response, and I hope that through my actions from now on, I can rebuild the trust and the confidence placed in me as I continue on this journey to do better.
“And to the babies out there, Uncle Aldrin is truly sorry. I am truly sorry, and I hope that you will be able to forgive me,” he added.
Anchor claims video was altered
Sampear claimed that someone altered a viral video of him losing his temper to misrepresent the events.
He stated that the only reason he went to his car was to get his phone and driver’s licence so they could exchange information.
However, he was taken off-air while the station conducted an internal investigation into the incident.
In a media statement at the time, the television station said: “Newzroom Afrika is aware of an incident involving anchor Aldrin Sampear last week.
“Sampear will take a break from his broadcast duties with immediate effect, pending an internal review of the matter.
“Newzroom Afrika takes the allegations very seriously, and we will work swiftly to address the concerns raised.”
