Charlene White Slams Public 'Sport' of Targeting Meghan Markle
ITV presenter and Loose Women panellist Charlene White has launched a robust defence of the Duchess of Sussex, condemning what she describes as a toxic public obsession with tearing down Meghan Markle. Speaking exclusively at the British Diversity Awards at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, where she helped host, White, 45, expressed bewilderment at the intense and often hateful scrutiny directed at the Duchess.
'Unfathomable' Public Obsession
Charlene White told me: 'We could do an episode that features Harry and Meghan and people will be chatting about it on socials for like weeks and weeks afterwards. I just cannot get my head around people getting so deep and meaningful and also hateful about someone they've never met before in their life. It blows my mind and it's unfathomable to me.'
She emphasised the importance of discussing Meghan without malicious intent, stating: 'I like discussing her, because I think it's important that we talk about her without the intention of trying to get clicks and trying to beat down yet another woman. I think that's really important, when for some beating her down is almost a sport.'
White's Personal Experience with Public Backlash
Charlene White is no stranger to public criticism herself, having faced significant backlash for her decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on air, which she attributes to strict impartiality rules linked to her charity work. Reflecting on the personal toll, she revealed: 'I've had to build an armour since it first happened in 2015, so it didn't dominate my mind, my heart or my emotions.'
The situation was compounded by personal tragedy, as White shared: 'When it happened again last year, I was recovering from my father dying by suicide, and despite people knowing that they still went for me.' This loss has profoundly affected her, leading to periods away from work. 'I was off again recently for a week because pretending to be fine really takes a lot of energy. I'm learning that I don't have to do that every day,' she admitted.
Holly Willoughby's Planning Victory
In other entertainment news, Holly Willoughby has secured a planning victory for a glass corridor at her country home, despite recent professional setbacks. After her local council vetoed the plans as 'inappropriate' and 'overly dominant', Holly and her husband, TV producer Dan Baldwin, appealed to a government inspector, who ruled in their favour. The couple bought the £8 million property mortgage-free in 2024.
Baroness Hyde's Change of Heart on House of Lords
Newly ennobled Sara Hyde, now styled Baroness Hyde of Bemerton, has undergone a notable shift in opinion regarding the House of Lords. Previously, she tweeted that the Upper House was a 'daft, elitist idea', but since being appointed by Sir Keir Starmer, she can now claim £371-a-day for her parliamentary duties.
Ricky Gervais Reacts to Wayne Rooney Comparison
Comedian Ricky Gervais responded sharply to a fan's suggestion that he resembles former footballer Wayne Rooney, interpreting it as an insult rather than a compliment. 'I love Wayne Rooney, but it wasn't a compliment, was it?' Gervais remarked, clarifying that the comparison seemed to focus on appearance rather than athletic prowess.
Jemima Goldsmith's Flying Anxiety
Jemima Goldsmith, who survived a hijacking on a British Airways flight to Kenya in 2000, continues to struggle with fear of flying. Recently, turbulence on a London-to-Rome flight tested her nerves, prompting her to praise the BA crew for their support during the unsettling experience.
Queen Camilla Praises Marisha Wallace
West End star Marisha Wallace received royal acclaim from Queen Camilla during a reception at Windsor Castle. The Queen commended Wallace's singing talent, telling her: 'You bring so much joy to people with your voice. You make people cry. It's a gift what you have.' Wallace, reflecting on the moment, expressed pride in breaking barriers as a black performer in such historic settings.
