Loose Women viewers have demanded that Janet Street-Porter is removed from the panel 'immediately' following a discussion between the 75-year-old and fellow journalist Charlene White. Like most topical television programmes, there has been much debate regarding the situation in Ukraine this week on the programme.
Today (March 1), the panel, led by Charlene White, discussed the personal impact the unfolding crisis in Ukraine has had on them. Charlene took the opportunity to mention the 'incessant racism' that Black and Asian people, amongst others, have faced whilst trying to flee war-torn Ukraine.
Speaking to her fellow panellists, the 41-year-old said: "There is one thing that has really shone a light on where I’m concerned and has really stuck out to me: in the midst of all of this, in the midst of people trying to flee from their homes, and in the midst of them trying to dodge bullets and bombs and bombardment, they still have time for racism.
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"Because you've got thousands of Black, Asian, Syrian, Arab students and workers who have been also trying to get out of Ukraine and have been prevented from doing so due to the incessant racism they have experienced - they’ve not been allowed to go through borders. Quite a few of them have not been allowed to go through the border to Poland, for example."
Charlene mentioned how many Black people have been pushed back due to the opinion held by others that they are viewed as 'less than'. She added: "And there are British students as well, there’s a Black British student called Korrine Sky who has been tweeting over the past week of her desperate travels... and has been fought back by Ukrainian troops, has been pushed back by Ukrainian people who believe that the Black people need to be at the back of the bus.
"Essentially, that’s what we’re talking about here. And I just think that my heart really does go out to the Ukrainian people and those people in bordering countries who are doing all they can to try and help them, but will not help anyone whose skin is darker.
"I think that’s a very clear reflection of what it is that the world is dealing with. And this isn’t just in Ukraine, this happens in wars the world over, especially when it comes to migrant workers."
Cutting Charlene off, Janet gave her two pence on the situation. The journalist said: "I hear what you’re saying and I completely understand it, and on the news last night they did show some of the students talking about how badly they had been treated and the effort that it had taken for them to actually get on the train and cross the border. But I also think that Poland for example has exceeded all expectations in accepting 150,000 refugees."
Holding her head in her hands, Charlene replied: "Oh goodness me, I understand that, but if you have thousands of refugees you can’t stand there and say ‘Oh you 50 people come in, you four people with darker skin… sorry’."
It seemed that Charlene was not the only person left shocked by Janet's response. On social media, Loose Women viewers have expressed their discontent with Janet's remark, and have asked for her removal from the panel.
Karen said on Twitter: "@loosewomen love what Charlene is highlighting Loose women you need to remove Janet from your panel immediately, she has NO compassion & is a trouble maker. Do the right thing"
Meanwhile, Low Tweeted: "Yes @CharleneWhite educating and standing up to the idiocy of Janet street porter and her blinkers with regards to racism going on with the Ukraine And in the world #LooseWomen"
Loretta B Thomas said: "Big up, Charlene White, Loose Women, for speaking out about racism in Ukraine against Black and Asian people. Janet Street-Porter there is no justification for helping some and leaving other based on skin colour during a war. @loosewomen @CharleneWhite"
"Never watch @loosewomen," said Dan Gleebles "but @CharleneWhite IS WHATS NEEDED. HER VOICE IS ESSENTIAL!! Janet Street-Porter is an absolute a ‘has been’ and a joke! Who’s views are so outdated but so present. Thank you Charlene #LooseWomen"
Charlene has been a permanent panellist on Loose Women since January 2021, and juggles her work on the daytime show with presenting ITV News. In April 2014, she became the first black woman to present the News at Ten.
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