ITV newsreader Charlene White has hit back at former BBC newsreader Jan Leeming after she criticised the Loose Women host's presenting style, sparking a row on social media.
Jan Leeming took to social media to criticise Charlene's delivery, writing: "Wish ITV's Charlene would stop addressing us as if we were children. She has such a condescending style."
She added: "Don't know whether or not she is 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 [Mary Nightingale]."
Charlene's response
Charlene, who presents on ITV and appears on Loose Women, responded by reposting the comments and saying she was "surprised" at the attack from someone she admired growing up.
She wrote: "Very surprising to see a presenter I admired as a kid deciding to slate me on social media."
She added: "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'thing from a bygone era."
Jan's apology and further comments
Jan quickly replied, saying: "I said I didn't know how good you are as a journalist but I find your delivery condescending."
She added: "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."
Jan insisted she was "only making a professional comment" when criticised by social media users, writing: "It was only an opinion and perhaps I shouldn't have voiced it. I forget that we are no longer allowed free speech in this country."
She added: "Charlene has earned her spurs as a journalist but that doesn't make her a good presenter. I am not and never was a journalist. I was a presenter/interviewer."
Fallout and break from social media
Jan refused to remove her remarks but said "yes, I voiced an opinion but should not have done". She later alleged she had been subjected to "nasty invective and abuse" for her comments, which "brought her personal life into the equation".
She eventually posted: "I made a comment − should have kept my thoughts to myself. I've now been on receiving end of far more nastiness and personal abuse than was warranted by making a comment on style. To bring my personal life into the equation was below the belt.
"Won't be using account for next few days. Was unwise to make a comment about style but don't believe it warranted vile abuse. Believe me I received far worse criticism and nastiness from, mostly female, journalists in my heyday."
