Nadia Sawalha has announced she is taking legal action against ITV's Loose Women, alleging she was 'bullied out' of her job over her pro-Palestinian beliefs. The 61-year-old presenter has not appeared on the daytime show since April.
Legal Action Announced
In a video posted to Instagram, Sawalha revealed that her legal team at the European Legal Support Centre (ELSC) has written to ITV, accusing the broadcaster of treating her unlawfully due to her protected beliefs. She said she has been 'messed around' by producers who have taken her on and off the line-up after she voiced support for Palestine.
Sawalha stated: "My legal team at ELSC have today written to ITV alleging that I have been treated unlawfully due to my protected beliefs. Now before I say anything else, I want to say how sad I am that it has got to this. Believe me, I have appealed to ITV's hearts and minds but to no avail."
Allegations of Smears and Complaints
She claimed that after she began speaking publicly in support of Palestine in 2023, she became the target of "an escalating campaign of smears, complaints, hostile media coverage and targeted calls to have me removed from Loose Women." She added that ITV has taken her on and off the show multiple times, often being told: "It's all a bit noisy out there for us."
Sawalha also mentioned a 20-page document sent to ITV by a group of prominent pro-Israel media figures, urging the network not to reinstate her. She said she has not been allowed to see the letter or answer the accusations.
Petition and Wider Impact
Alongside the legal action, Sawalha is promoting a petition to show support. She said: "Two years ago, there was a petition to have me removed from Loose Women and I want to show there are many more people with us than against us." She emphasized that others, including teachers, doctors, and students, have faced similar treatment for speaking according to their conscience.
Earlier in the week, Sawalha promised to share her side of the story, initially planning a video for 5 August but delaying it to the following day "due to legal reasons."
Background
Sawalha was one of the original presenters when Loose Women started in 1999, staying until 2002 and returning 11 years later. In June, reports suggested ITV bosses were facing a 'civil war' over her position, with a 15-page dossier demanding she not return. A source told The Sun at the time: "There is so much bad blood. Nadia has many defenders on the show but others have made it crystal clear they will flat-out refuse to work with her."
The Mirror has contacted ITV about Nadia's allegations.
