Telegraph hires Waitrose Food editor William Sitwell who resigned after vegan row
The Telegraph has hired the former Waitrose Food magazine editor who stepped down after suggesting vegans should be force-fed meat, the company said today.
William Sitwell, who resigned from the supermarket magazine after making comments about “killing vegans” in an email to a journalist, will join the Telegraph as a restaurant critic, writer and commentator.
Sitwell announced the move on Twitter this afternoon, saying he was “very happy to be joining the Telegraph”. His first restaurant review column will appear in the paper’s magazine on Saturday.
“I’m delighted to welcome William to the Telegraph and his new weekly column will be an insightful addition to Saturday’s magazine,” said Jane Bruton, deputy editor and director of lifestyle at the Telegraph.
“With a wealth of experience as a food critic, author and broadcaster, he will bring a unique voice to our existing roster of talented journalists and critics.”
Sitwell came under fire last year for his comments to freelance journalist Selene Nelson, who had pitched a series on meat-free dishes.
The former editor apologised after the email was reported by Buzzfeed News. In November he posted a photo with Nelson on social media after the pair met following the controversy.
“As I atone for my crassness and stupidity I hope that perhaps we can work together to educate across the food spectrum to respect people who make the food choices they do,” wrote Sitwell.
The writer worked at Waitrose Food for two decades before stepping down. He has also appeared on the BBC cooking show Masterchef.
The Telegraph said Michael Deacon, who writes the paper’s parliamentary sketches, will also take up a new column in the Saturday magazine later this year.