SAS Australia host Ant Middleton gagged by MoD who claim he spilled state secrets online
The Ministry of Defence has gagged SAS Australia's Ant Middleton over claims he exposed "extremely sensitive" military intelligence to American audiences.
SAS Australia: Who Dares Wins judge Ant Middleton has been gagged by a court for allegedly spilling state secrets.
The controversial TV host and former British soldier was slapped with a court order by the Ministry of Defence who claimed he shared “extremely sensitive” details of his time in the army on a US podcast.
Middleton has denied the claims he describes as “unfounded”.
Following his appearance on The Mike Drop, hosted by former US Navy SEAL Mike Ritland, Middleton was accused of breaking his Special Forces confidentiality contract.
During a podcast episode called Exposing The Quiet Split Between UK And US Forces, Middleon reportedly referenced weapons, intelligence matters, unit sizes and international partners.
Oliver Sanders KC said “highly sensitive” information was revealed, according to the Sun.
Mike Drop consists of candid conversations from various military personnel, with Middleton’s episode being filmed on July 2 and spanning nearly four hours.
During the interview, he spoke of the disconnect between the US and the UK, with mentions of his bid to become London mayor and what he perceives to be the deterioration of UK society.
After the episode was aired, the 45-year-old was banned by a high court judge from repeating any of the information without getting written permission.
Mr Sanders said it’s essential that military operators can trust one another, fiercely condemning Middleton’s behaviour.
“Secrecy is essential to the operational effectiveness of UK Special Forces and their ability to discharge the national security functions they have,” he said, according to the British newspaper.
“The knowledge within UK Special Forces that everyone has signed the contract is important to morale and to trust in one’s comrades.”
The father-of-five spent more than a decade in the military after joining at 17, working as a Special Forces soldier, Royal Marines Commando, and Royal Engineer – doing three tours of Afghanistan.
He shot to fame as a judge on SAS: Who Dares Wins, which puts contestants through the brutality of the military.
Off the back of its success, he hosted SAS: Australia, which ran from 2020 to 2023, Million Dollar Island, and The Amazing Race Australia.
“SAS it’s a household name in the UK in Australia. I’m now going to be bringing it to the UAE,” he said in the podcast.
Speaking of combat-style reality shows, he said business was “booming” in Australia.
Middleton, who is now based in the United Arab Emirates, insists the claims are “shocking and unfounded.”
He said the claims were timed to thwart his recent bid for London mayor.
“I have never placed my country, nor my fellow comrades, at risk. I believe the suggestion that I have revealed military secrets is truly shocking and unfounded,” he said, according to the Sun.
“The true motive may be political, rather than in relation to national security.”
The MoD is pushing for a permanent injunction which would force the TV star to comply with the terms of the agreement.
He currently faces a temporary injunction until a full trial on March 3 next year.
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Originally published as SAS Australia host Ant Middleton gagged by MoD who claim he spilled state secrets online
