Loose Women star Charlene White has spoken out after facing a fresh wave of racist abuse for not wearing a poppy on television. The 45-year-old presenter explained her decision in an emotional Instagram post, revealing that broadcasting impartiality rules prevent her from visibly supporting charities while presenting ITV news programmes.
White, who is a patron of several charities, said she supports the Royal British Legion and wears a poppy off-screen. She shared a letter from the Legion expressing full support for her personal choice, stating that wearing a poppy must be a matter of personal conscience and that those who bullied her go against core values of freedom and tolerance.
The presenter also remembered her late father Denniston, a Jamaican immigrant who served in the RAF and died by suicide last month. She urged critics to consider the impact of their hate, especially as she navigates grief as a child of parental suicide.
