Dermot O'Leary has issued a statement following Alison Hammond's apology as the pair face backlash after comments made on This Morning.
The ITV presenters sparked controversy as viewers accused the pair of encouraging theatre-goers to sing during performances. The backlash stemmed from a show last week in which Alison, Dermot and guest Vanessa Feltz discussed the singing ban in The Bodyguard musical in Manchester.
Fans have accused the pair of encouraging theatre-goers to ruin other audience members' experiences. On Sunday, Alison broke her silence with a social media apology and now co-host Dermot has issued his own statement.
In the episode in question, The Mirror reports that Dermot laughed at the new rules, as Alison said: "I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now."
Dermot has now issued his own statement about the controversial comments made last week.
He shared on his social media: "A lot of people commenting about a reaction to a story we covered on This Morning about the 'Bodyguard' show and audiences singing along. Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview... as I was actually arguing AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres.
"Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards. Peace and love to all. Now, back to those Easter eggs... Dx."
Despite the statement, Dermot was hit with a wave of backlash, with BGT winner George Sampson writing: "Weird take, and and a disappointing read if I’m honest. People, Don’t sing at all, at ANY volume when you’re watching musicals, unless it’s been okayed by the production. You’re there to be performed for, not performed with."
While another commented: "You argued against people singing 'too loudly'? Are you sure you are being misrepresented in this?"
A third fumed: "You sat and laughed and giggled and belittled an entire industry, there should be no singing along, and you can’t even apologises just defend yourself. Not a good look really is it Dermot."
"This is disappointing. It’s not about not singing too loudly, it’s about not singing at all! Even if it didn’t come across how you intended, this is not the apology that performers and theatre staff deserve," another commented.
However, others defended Dermot, with one writing: "Some people like nothing better than to moan, honestly to even try to sing like Whitney Houston is amazing and should be respected if you are able to do it on stage so those who think it’s ok to do it in audience need to remember they have payed to hear those actors on stage."
While another commented: "Haters are always gonna hate. I watched the whole interview and heard both your and Alisons' comments, and I agreed with Alison that I'd find it hard not to join in. But never did either of you condone the behaviour of audience members who sang loudly to put the actors off."
A third wrote: "Not gonna lie, this is crazy!you're both getting more heat than the people thrown out of the theatre!"
It comes after Alison posted a social media apology on Sunday. Writing on an Instagram Story, the presenter said she was "truly sorry" for making light of the topic as she hadn't realised the extent of the problem.
"After reflection and the comments I made on Wednesday's show I want to apologise to anyone who I offended especially the incredibly talented theatre performers, who I have the upmost respect for. I had no idea the level of disruption audiences were causing and tried to make light of the topic on Wednesday's show, and for that I'm truly sorry," she wrote.
"I am a great support of theatre and the arts and would never sing at the top of my lungs at any performance, I was wrong in what I said and I've given this a lot of though over the past few days and believe I was wrong."
She added: "On Thursday evening I attended a performance of the GBBO the musical which I absolutely adored and gave a standing ovation, theatre is a magical experience for me and my family. I want to use my platform for good as always and want to stand up with the performers, Front of house and theatre staff especially after seeing what happening at The Bodyguard in Manchester which has made me sick to my stomach. Once again I am truly sorry but trust I will do better in the future."
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