Dan Wootton has been criticised over what has been described as a "vile" tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen following her death. The broadcaster and campaigner died at the age of 86 on Wednesday (September 30) after a battle with lung cancer.
Tributes poured in for Dame Esther online, including from podcast host and former GB News presenter Dan Wootton. The Dan Wootton Outspoken host, 43, shared previous footage from Dame Esther on GB News, where she suggested older people who refused the Covid-19 vaccine should not seek medical treatment and put the lives of NHS staff at risk if they become ill.
Wootton's tribute sparks backlash
In the caption, Wootton wrote: "I always respected Esther Rantzen debating me, even though we disagreed on most issues. Her TV legacy is unmatched. Her health legacy is mixed. The unvaxxed will never forget her telling me in this appearance on GB News that they should be left to die... May she rest in peace."
His post immediately sparked outrage, with many criticising his tribute. One person wrote: "Imagine being such a disgusting individual that you, purposely with vile intent, shroud an obituary with a play at division and hate ? What a vile person Wootton is."
A second fumed: "And now you grift on another dead person???? She couldn’t stand you much like so many others." A third echoed: "That you use it for clicks and comments on her death says more about your moral compass and need for attention than hers, Wootton."
The original GB News exchange
When Dame Esther made the remarks on his GB News show, Wootton argued: "But that's not the sort of society we want." She hit back: "If you expect nurses and doctors to look after you, you must protect them and you must make sure they can prioritise people!"
The presenter responded: "So, you would want to ban the un-jabbed from being able to access health services?" Dame Esther clarified: "No. I'm saying you've got to make that decision yourself. It's your choice. If you decide that you don't want a vaccine or a booster, then you can decide not to go to hospital however ill you get."
Family tribute and legacy
In a statement, the family of Dame Esther described her as "the most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother", and said she would be remembered for her "endless capacity for joy".
The presenter hosted the BBC consumer affairs show That’s Life! for 21 years from 1973 to 1994, which led to her setting up Childline in 1986, a counselling service for young people. Dame Esther became a prominent campaigner for assisted dying following her stage four lung cancer diagnosis in 2023.
