Television and radio star Myleene Klass has bravely come forward with a disturbing account of racism she endured during a live ITV broadcast. The presenter revealed she was the target of a deeply offensive remark disguised as 'banter' from a guest on the show.
The incident, which Klass described as leaving her feeling 'so small,' occurred while cameras were rolling. Rather than addressing it in the moment, the professional presenter was forced to compartmentalise her hurt to continue with the programme.
In a powerful statement on her Smooth Radio show, Klass condemned the normalisation of such comments, stating, "It's not banter. It's not a joke. You don't get to say things like that." Her decision to speak out highlights the insidious nature of casual racism that often goes unchallenged in workplace environments.
The revelation has sparked significant conversation about the treatment of mixed-heritage individuals in the public eye and the responsibility of broadcasters to protect their employees from discriminatory behaviour, regardless of its guise.
Klass's experience serves as a stark reminder that racism persists within the entertainment industry and that what some dismiss as humour can have profound and damaging effects on its targets.
