Broadcaster and author Fearne Cotton has publicly addressed a backlash from sections of the vegan community after revealing she has begun occasionally eating cheese and eggs again. The 44-year-old, a prominent advocate for plant-based living and author of the 'Happy Vegan' cookbook, explained her decision stems from a need for flexibility following a severe eating disorder in her twenties.
Addressing the Backlash on Instagram
In a candid video posted to her Instagram on Friday, Cotton acknowledged that her dietary shift had left some followers frustrated. "Some people, and I totally get it, vegans out there are f***** off that I'm eating eggs and cheese again," she stated. She clarified that these animal products are consumed "infrequently" and that her diet remains predominantly plant-based, often opting for them only when dining out or during trips like a recent holiday in Spain.
Her primary reasoning, however, was deeply personal. "As someone who had a pretty severe eating disorder in my 20s I have to remain flexible with food. That is a big one for me so that I don't become too regimented," Cotton explained. She emphasised that while she understands the disappointment, her focus is on her personal health journey, stating, "I am just a single person doing my thing."
Ex-Husband's Financial Struggles Revealed in Court
The personal revelation from Cotton comes amid separate news concerning her ex-husband, musician Jesse Wood. The 49-year-old son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing a potential driving ban for a speeding offence.
During proceedings, Wood, who represented himself, gave the court a stark insight into his financial situation since his split from Cotton 13 months ago. He revealed he has been unemployed and living on savings, with his income from the last tax year around £14,000. "At the moment I'm living off my savings and I am looking to get employment," he told the magistrates.
Wood was summoned after being caught driving at 27mph in a 20mph zone on the A4 Cromwell Road in Earls Court on April 7 last year. He apologised, accepting responsibility for the offence.
Lessons in Public and Personal Life
Reflecting on the online reaction to her diet, Cotton connected it to a broader theme from her new book. "Case in point that you cannot please everyone. You really can't. And not everyone's going to like you or your decisions and these are very healthy lessons for me to continue learning," she concluded in her video.
The simultaneous stories highlight contrasting personal challenges for the former couple: Cotton navigating public expectation and private health, while Wood contends with unemployment and legal matters following their separation.
