He also said that he thinks “there is no unconscious prejudice” and that the concept is “total and absolute crap” – a term that the Daily Mail put in the video, but was widely publicized in the UK media.
A KPMG spokesman said they could not confirm the words Michael used, but confirmed to CNN that the video posted in the Daily Mail was from Monday’s city hall meeting. The spokesman said Michael was asked at the meeting about some of his personal reflections on a wide range of topics, including life in captivity.
“I sincerely regret that my words have hurt my colleagues and the impact this week’s events have had on them,” Michael said in a statement on Friday. “In light of this, I consider my position untenable and, therefore, I decided to leave the company.”
Board member Bina Mehta is taking over as acting chairman, and Mary O’Connor, head of customers and markets, has taken on Michael’s day-to-day executive responsibilities.
KPMG said it would launch a leadership election “in due course”.
CNN contacted Michael for comment.