Popular talkshow host Wang Ben-hu (汪笨湖) quit his job at the Chinese Television System (CTS) late last night after accusations by Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄) that his program was sparking ethnic conflict.
Wang issued a statement announcing he had resigned from the show, Taiwan Advancement, also citing China's new ban on entertainers appearing on CTS as one of the reasons.
Wang's move surprised many, particularly because he accepted a CTS invitation to host the show only four days ago.
CTS canceled long-running soap operas to give the valuable 8pm slot to Wang's political commentary program.
"Since I started the program here, I have caused CTS president Chiang Hsia (江霞) a great number of problems. I am willing to resign in order to restore harmony [to CTS]," he said in a statement.
"I don't think I am capable of continuing a verbal fight with Shen. I am but a little ant," he said.
Senior CTS officials were shocked by Wang's resignation but have not formally responded to the development. Wang did not appear on the show last night. CTS relied on another senior talkshow host in his absence.
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