Charlene White has hit back after veteran newsreader Jan Leeming described her presenting style as 'condescending', sparking a bizarre social media row.
The 46-year-old is regularly seen on both Loose Women and ITV News, however, former BBC News host Jan, 84, suggested that she didn't 'hack it' on the latter, and wasn't as good as co-star Mary Nightingale.
Jan Leeming's Initial Comments
Taking to Twitter earlier today, she penned: "Wish ITV's Charlene would stop addressing us as if we were children. She has such a condescending style.
"Don't know whether or not she is a an excellent journalist but don't think she hacks it as a newsreader. It may look an easy job but not all are as good as @nightingaleitv [sic]."
Charlene White's Response
Hitting back, Charlene quoted Jan's tweet and added: "Very surprising to see a presenter I admired as a kid deciding to slate me on social media.
"In an industry where women, especially black women, have had to work incredibly hard to get ahead, this type of disrespect from a fellow female journo feels like s'things from a bygone era."
In response, the broadcaster added: "I said I didn't know how good you are as a journalist but I find your delivery condescending. It has nothing to do with colour.
"Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME people to get ahead in all walks of life. It was only an opinion and my apologies to you."
Public Reaction
While the ITV panellist has yet to reply, many were quick to lash out at Jan's post, branding her most recent comments 'brain dead'.
"Double down Jan - this is a brain dead response. Assume you don't have PR these days," one said, as another agreed: "Jan you haven't been a newsreader for 30yrs or more and styles have changed making this randomly b****y comment just makes you look bitter, very nasty."
A commenter said: "OMG, Jan. No. Should have started with that "apology" and left it there rather than bury it under some truly questionable takes. Just a guess that @CharleneWhite is much more of an expert in the experiences of Black women in the industry than you. This is really disappointing."
As an unimpressed fan added: "Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME people to get ahead in all walks of life." Looooooooooooooool? [sic].
Charlene White's Career
Charlene has been a staple of our screens for decades, and began her broadcast career at BBC, with stints at BBC News, Look East and 5Live. In 2008, she made the move to ITN and worked at ITV News and GMTV.
In April 2014, she became the first Black woman to present ITV News At Ten, and went on to become a regular on Loose Women, following Andrea McLean's exit.
She previously spoke to the Mirror about how important it is to champion diversity in society, and particularly at work.
"I talk a lot about diversity because I believe, working in broadcasting and the media, what happens in front of the camera and behind the camera should reflect society," she told us.
"All views matter, all opinions matter. That's the only way the industry can survive."
