ITV News presenter Charlene White has responded to what she called 'disrespectful' comments from former BBC newsreader Jan Leeming. Earlier this evening, Leeming took to X and wrote: 'Wish ITV’s Charlene would stop addressing us as if we were children. She has such a condescending style.'
Leeming added: 'Don’t know whether or not she is an excellent journalist but don’t think she hacks it as a newsreader. It may look an easy job but not all are as good as Mary Nightingale.'
Charlene White's response
White responded on social media, writing: 'Very surprising to see a presenter I admired as a kid deciding to slate me on social media. In an industry where women, especially black women, have had to work incredibly hard to get ahead, this type of disrespect from a fellow female journo feels like something from a bygone era.'
It is unclear what prompted Leeming's original post, but she replied again to offer her apologies. 'I said I didn’t know how good you are as a journalist but I find your delivery condescending. It has nothing to do with colour,' Leeming wrote.
Leeming's apology and fans' support
Leeming continued: 'Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) people to get ahead in all walks of life. It was only an opinion and my apologies to you.'
White's fans have rushed to her defence. One wrote: 'I personally find Charlene to be a terrific newsreader, not everyone has the same taste, I find she has a very personal touch.' Another added: 'You are a pro and I find your delivery style to be very authoritative, sincere and measured.'
