GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes has found himself at the centre of a broadcasting storm after a live segment with guest Kerry Katona took an unacceptable turn. The incident, which occurred during a discussion on Monday's show, has prompted an immediate apology and a formal complaint to media regulator Ofcom.
The controversy erupted when Katona, the former Atomic Kitten singer, used a highly offensive racial term while describing a skincare product. Holmes, a veteran broadcaster, was visibly taken aback but initially failed to challenge the language used, allowing the conversation to continue momentarily.
Swift Backlash and Immediate Damage Control
The reaction from viewers was both instant and furious, with social media platforms flooded with criticism of both Katona's remark and Holmes's handling of the situation. Recognising the severity of the error, GB News and Holmes moved quickly to contain the damage.
During a later segment in the same broadcast, Holmes addressed the elephant in the room. He issued a full and unequivocal apology to viewers, stating: "Before we move on we'd just like to apologise for any offence that may have been caused by inappropriate language used by Kerry Katona in our last conversation."
Ofcom Complaint Filed
The fallout did not end with the on-air apology. The official Twitter account for The World Transformed, a political festival, publicly confirmed they had lodged a formal complaint with Ofcom. They stated the slur was "appalling and unacceptable" and called for an investigation into the incident, putting further pressure on the channel.
This misstep adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding GB News, which has frequently faced scrutiny over its compliance with broadcasting standards. The use of such language on a live, regulated television channel raises serious questions about the show's production and editorial oversight.
A Pattern of Controversy
For Eamonn Holmes, the incident marks another difficult moment in his tenure at GB News. The presenter has previously faced criticism for his comments on various topics, but this episode involving a failure to immediately interrupt and condemn racist language is particularly damaging.
As the media watchdog Ofcom considers the complaint, all eyes will be on what disciplinary action, if any, might be taken against the channel. This serves as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with live broadcasting and the zero-tolerance policy the public expects towards racist language on air.
