Loose Women spark 200 Ofcom complaints over Ukraine racism refugee row

Panelists Janet Street-Porter and Charlene White clashed in the segment last week
ITV
Josh Salisbury9 March 2022

Loose Women has been hit with more than 200 Ofcom complaints after a discussion on racism at the Ukrainian border.

The complaints came after Charlene White was left feeling frustrated with Janet Street Porter during a discussion about the racist treatment of black and Asian refugees at the border.

Now Ofcom has received 211 complaints for the segment which aired on March 1 at lunchtime.

In the segment, Ms White highlighted some people attempting to flee the country had been met with bigoted treatment.

She said: “My heart really does go out to the Ukrainian people and those in the bordering countries doing all they can to try and help them, but [they] will not help anybody whose skin is darker.

“I think that’s a very clear reflection of what it is the world is dealing with, and this isn’t just in Ukraine, this happens in wars the world over, especially when it comes to migrant workers.”

Her co-panelist Ms Street Porter responded saying Poland had exceeded “all expectations” in accepting so many refugees.

“I hear what you’re saying, and I completely understand it,” she said.

“On the news last night, they showed some of the students talking about how badly they had been treated and the effort it had taken for them to cross the border. But I also think that Poland has exceeded all expectations in accepting 150,000 refugees.”

Ms White replied: “Oh my goodness! I understand that, but if you have thousands of refugees, you can’t stand there and say oh you 50 people come in, you four people with darker skin sorry.”

Some viewers of the show criticised Ms Street Porter at the time.

Among the comments, one wrote: “It was painful watching Janet street-porter and her comments - clearly did not understand the point being made”.

Speaking after the show aired, Ms White said on social media: “For those throwing the phrase, “playing the race card” at me today re @loosewomen… let me be VERY clear.

“You feeling uncomfortable hearing someone talking about race is not my concern, when the concern ought to be directed towards the victims who are subjected to it.”

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