British television journalist Martin Bashir was the host of an hour long political show on MSNBC.

The 50 year-old has resigned from the cable network after making a disparaging comment about American politician Sarah Palin.

Bashir was commentating on his political show, on Nov 15th, when he suggested someone should defecate in the mouth of the former Alaskan Governor.

The offensive remarks came after Palin compared US' indebtedness to China to slavery, he then began to read diaries from a former plantation owner who punished slaves by having someone defecate in their mouth.

He felt Palin should suffer the same treatment.

The host made an on-air apology for the remark on his next broadcast, and after what was called a "vacation", it is revealed Bashir has parted ways with MSNBC.

The announcement came in a statement Martin sent to Mediaite via email;

"After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday," he wrote.

"Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments."

Adding, "I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers - who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast."

Bashir joined the network in 2010.

Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin is the former Governor of Alaska