BBC radio DJ Liz Kershaw has sparked outrage online after targeting Marie-France van Heel, wife of new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Burnham was photographed alongside his wife on the steps of 10 Downing Street after succeeding Keir Starmer, with Burnham in a black suit and van Heel in a blue dress.
Kershaw's tweet draws criticism
Kershaw posted on X: "Apparently this dress is by Victoria Beckham. Bit nasty of her to let Mrs Burnham pay 900 quid for something in Crimplene that doesn't fit her. Sisterhood eh?"
Her remarks triggered immediate backlash. TV presenter Richard Bacon responded: "Where does all this bitterness come from? I'm sure I could be empathetic towards it. But without understanding the context, it is hard to know why you're choosing to come across so badly."
Social media users react
One user wrote: "What a nasty vile woman you are, all while using the word 'sisterhood'. She looks great, especially considering she's carried and given birth to 3 children." Another commented: "She has undergone a double mastectomy after losing her sister to breast cancer. A woman's worth is not measured by the fit of her dress, the shape of her body, or whether strangers on social media approve of her appearance. Do better."
A fourth user declared: "What an awful thing to say. You are a disgrace." While another added: "This is so horribly sexist. Leave her alone."
Previous controversy
This is not the first time Kershaw has stirred controversy. Earlier this year, she criticised Princess Kate for wearing a floor-length green gown at an event at Windsor Castle, questioning on Twitter: "Why the hell is the future queen dressed like this tonight at Windsor Castle? In England? In the 21st century?"
