Sammy Woodhouse, a survivor of grooming gangs, has alleged that a Good Morning Britain editor issued an apology after she was told not to mention the race of perpetrators during a live interview on the ITV programme. Woodhouse appeared alongside broadcasters Ed Balls and Susanna Reid to discuss Operation Beaconport, a national policing operation reviewing hundreds of closed investigations into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Warning Before Interview
Woodhouse, who also leads a rape gang inquiry, stated on social media after the interview: "This morning, I appeared on Good Morning Britain in a live interview about the grooming gangs. Before I went on air, I was told not to mention the race of the perpetrators. I, of course, didn't listen. I have now received an apology from the editor." She called out the "disgusting behaviour" of the perpetrators, whom she described as Pakistani Muslim men.
Interview Exchange
During the interview, Balls asked about the National Crime Agency sending improperly investigated cases back to police forces. Woodhouse responded: "No, I don't, and that's because I've seen first hand the failures and then negligence and corruption... If I can just say, some of the things children have been through... majority of perpetrators were Pakistani, Muslim men and that people was afraid to be called racist or Islamophobic."
She then criticised the programme's handling: "I spoke to your colleague earlier and he said I weren't even allowed to announce the race... Do you know how disrespectful it is for people like me who have lived this... and still be told we are not allowed to talk about the race of some of these perpetrators?"
Apology on Air
Reid later apologised to Sammy, saying: "I hear what you're saying, and I hope you feel that you have been given space to say what you want to say... I'm sorry, I don't know what that... I mean, obviously, the first time I'm hearing about that conversation is what you're saying."
Viewers praised Woodhouse's actions. One said: "Fantastic news Sammy! You're a hero. How can you talk about the rape gangs without mentioning race?" Another wrote: "Utter disgrace that survivors like Sammy are gagged from naming the grooming gang reality on national TV."
Express.co.uk has contacted Good Morning Britain for comment.
