![Guests leaving Jonathan Ross Halloween party - London Featuring: Guest Where: London, United Kingdom When: 01 Nov 2018 Credit: WENN.com](https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/sei_37820430-d49b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=644%2C965)
ITVs head of commissioning for comedy and entertainment has issued an apology after dressing up as a Saudi executioner at Jonathan Rosss Halloween party.
Jonathan held his legendary annual Halloween bash on Wednesday night, with stars including Charlie Brooker, Ed Sheeran, Shirley Ballas and Dermot OLeary descending on his house for some ghoulish hijinks.
However, one guest created quite a stir with his choice of costume, which was branded insensitive and in appalling taste.
Asif Zubairy, head of commissioning for comedy and entertainment for ITV, was pictured arriving at the party wearing a blood-spattered white coat and a keffiyeh (headscarf), while brandishing a severed hand.
![File photo dated 31/10/18 of ITV Commissioning Editor Asif Zubairy arriving at a Halloween party hosted by Jonathan Ross at his house in north London. Mr Zubairy has apologised after he dressed as an executioner at the bash, holding a model of a severed hand and wearing a bloodied jacket, following the death of a Saudi journalist. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday November 2, 2018. See PA story SHOWBIZ Costume. Photo credit should read: Pete Summers/PA Wire](https://s2.wp.com/wp-content/themes/vip/metrouk/img/fallback.png%20)
Zubairys outing came just hours after the release of details on the horrific death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Advertisement Advertisement
A statement from chief Istanbul prosecutor Irfan Fidan said that Khashoggi was strangled when he entered the consulate, and that his body was dismembered after the murder.
As pictures emerged of Zubairy at the party, a number of people expressed their outrage at his costume.
Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said: Its truly shocking that someone of his experience had such a crass understanding of what was acceptable.
More: Halloween
And Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Christine Jardine said: Im astonished at this appalling lack of sensitivity to a horrific murder which has raised serious questions over Britains relationship with Saudi Arabia. Its a lapse in judgment.
ITV have declined to comment; however, Zubairy has issued an apology for his costume.
He said: Im a private individual who attended a private party. I realise my Halloween costume may have offended some people, for which I apologise.
Got a story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Rebecca Humphries sings shes been dead for five years in major dig at ex Seann Walshs Strictly exit
Advertisement Advertisement
[contf] [contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]