GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes has sparked outrage and accusations of bullying after a controversial on-air moment where he appeared to mock the speech of former pop star Kerry Katona.
The incident occurred during a segment on his show, where Holmes and co-presenter Isabel Webster were discussing a recent interview Katona gave to TalkTV. The conversation took a sharp turn when Holmes began to imitate Katona's manner of speaking, which has been affected by her past mental health struggles and medication.
A Controversial On-Air Exchange
Video footage from the broadcast shows Holmes adopting a slurred, slow speech pattern, stating, "She's a lovely girl but it's sometimes very difficult to understand what she's saying." His co-host, Isabel Webster, could be seen looking visibly uncomfortable, offering a weak smile before attempting to move the conversation along.
The segment has since been widely circulated on social media, drawing immediate and fierce condemnation from viewers and advocacy groups alike.
Immediate Backlash and Accusations of Ableism
The public reaction was swift and severe. Critics were quick to label Holmes's actions as "disgusting," "cruel," and a clear example of ableism.
Many viewers highlighted Katona's well-documented history with bipolar disorder and the side effects of medication, arguing that Holmes was mocking a health condition rather than a personal choice. The incident has prompted calls for a formal apology from both Holmes and GB News.
Kerry Katona's Heartfelt Response
In response to the growing furore, Kerry Katona took to her own Instagram platform to address the issue directly. In a moving video message, she expressed her hurt while demonstrating remarkable grace.
"My medication and my bipolar… I can't help it if I slur my words," she explained. Rather than expressing anger, she stated she felt sorry for Holmes and hoped he was okay, concluding, "I wish him all the best." Her dignified response has been praised by her supporters.
The controversy raises serious questions about on-air conduct and the responsibility of broadcasters, leaving Eamonn Holmes's reputation under a cloud and GB News facing yet another scandal.
