Ulrika Jonsson, the Swedish-born TV presenter, has spoken candidly about her experiences of sexual assault and domestic violence decades before the #MeToo movement, as well as the sexism she encountered in the British media. Now 53, she reflects on how her upbringing in Sweden shaped her expectations of ageing and career longevity, contrasting it with the UK's treatment of older women.
Jonsson, who has four children by four different men, has often been defined by her personal life rather than her successful career. She wrote openly about being raped as a teenager long before #MeToo, and faced intense scrutiny and criticism for not going to the police. In a recent column for the Sun, she expressed doubt that she would report a similar incident today, referencing comments by victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird about the 'decriminalisation of rape'.
Living in Oxfordshire, Jonsson describes herself as a homebody who is 'crazy houseproud', a trait she attributes to her childhood looking after her father. During lockdown, she had to learn to tolerate the mess made by her children, who were staying with her. She also contracted coronavirus early in the pandemic.
Her passion for cooking is evident on her Instagram account, and she is considering turning it into a new career. She is open about her mental health struggles, having experienced episodes of depression. She manages these episodes through cooking, friendships, and her three bulldogs, which she says have 'rescued her back' on several occasions.
Despite being heavily scrutinised by the tabloids throughout her career, Jonsson maintains a good-humoured attitude. She refuses to disappear, continuing to share her life and thoughts with her followers.
