Political commentator Chloe Dobbs has slammed Sky News journalist Adam Boulton following his critical remarks about the late Ann Widdecombe. Appearing on TalkTV on Friday, Chloe told host Kevin O'Sullivan: 'You can tell a lot about a person when someone dies, and here, we've been really able to see people for who they are.' Kevin O'Sullivan replied: 'It was absolutely disgraceful.'
Boulton's Controversial Comments
After showing a clip of Boulton, Kevin said: 'These people, just because you don't agree with them doesn't mean you should wish someone a violent death.' Chloe's comments came after Adam appeared on Sky News, during which he called Ann an 'old maid'. As TalkTV gave fans a glimpse of the interview, Adam was heard saying: 'She was very much a spinster, and by the end, I think you'd describe her as an old maid. Reportedly, she claimed that she was a virgin.'
Public Backlash and Ofcom Complaints
Adam, who made his original remarks on Monday, 13 July, has since received 169 Ofcom complaints. Amid the growing backlash, he issued a public apology on Tuesday. 'I was seriously wrong and insensitive in one of the several media appearances I made yesterday in reaction to the death of Ann Widdecombe,' he began. 'I got the timing and tone of my initial word portrait of her wrong. Of course, I shared and share the horror at her murder and the respect for her remarkable and feisty political career. I also know that many people loved her for her subsequent showbiz stardom.'
Boulton's Apology
'Her untimely death is a horrible thing,' the broadcaster continued. 'My mistaken view was that in the context of rolling news coverage, I was being asked to contribute as an obituarist who has known her and interacted with her since the 1980s. This approach was premature. At no point was I expressing my personal feelings about her; that's not what I do. I was discussing her life in the round, based on the record of known facts and what she has said about herself, along with some recollections of our personal interactions. My choice of words on the spur of the moment was clumsy. I did not intend to offend, though obviously I did.'
