BBC presenter Stacey Dooley has ignited a firestorm of criticism after jokingly referring to herself as 'Britain's benefit queen' in a now-deleted Instagram story. The 36-year-old documentary maker, who reportedly earns over £250,000 annually from BBC projects alone, posted the controversial remark alongside a photo of herself holding a coffee.
Public Backlash Over 'Tone-Deaf' Comment
Social media users were quick to condemn Dooley's choice of words, with many accusing her of insensitivity towards those genuinely reliant on state support. 'How can someone earning six figures joke about benefits when millions struggle to feed their families?' asked one Twitter user.
Dooley's Complicated History With Welfare System
The broadcaster has previously spoken openly about her working-class roots and family's past reliance on benefits. In her 2015 documentary 'Britain's Forgotten Children', Dooley investigated child poverty in the UK – making her recent comments particularly surprising to some followers.
Experts Weigh In on Welfare Stigma
Social policy analysts suggest such flippant remarks from high-profile figures risk reinforcing negative stereotypes about benefit claimants. 'When celebrities trivialise welfare, it undermines public understanding of the system's vital role,' explained one researcher from the London School of Economics.
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of BBC presenters' salaries and ongoing debates about welfare reform in Westminster. Dooley's representatives have yet to comment on the social media storm.
