Loose Women racks up another 160 Ofcom complaints after Denise Welch’s controversial clash puts show under further fire
LOOSE Women has found itself hit with more Ofcom complaints after Denise Welch clashed with a guest on air.
Loose Women specularly derailed on Monday, May 6, over a discussion about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It’s now been confirmed that there have been 263 complaints made about the moment to watchdog Ofcom – over 160 more than when the interview first aired.
On the episode, Denise spoke out about her feelings on the couple as they were joined by former press secretary Dickie Arbiter.
Arbiter appeared on the show to discuss Kate Middleton and King Charles‘ recent cancer diagnosis, and how Harry and Meghan could build bridges with the family ahead of their time in the UK.
Denise, who has previously defended Harry and Meghan on the daytime show, clashed with the guest as she showed her support for the couple.
Denise pointed out the extensive scrutiny the pair have faced, as well as their subsequent interviews and Harry’s book discussing his time in the Royal Family.
She told Arbiter: “If I may say, do you not think there is a reason why Harry did such a thing?”
She continued: “Then he has a wife who is completely and continually trashed by the media, including your good self.
“I am just sick to death of the bashing that this woman gets. We continually berate this woman every day.”
Denise explained that the Sussexes left the Royal family because they wanted to escape “a country that hated them”.
When Coleen tried to calm the situation, Denise shut her down, telling her she could “say what she liked”, something Arbiter agreed with her on.
“Don’t have a guest on…I can say what I like!” she said as the other panellists looked visibly uncomfortable.
Denise later shrugged off the suggestion they should apologise, saying simply they might not want to.
In the face of the first 103 complaints, Denise remained steadfast, saying on social media she wanted to stand by Meghan and Harry.
“[Meghan] has been a spokeswoman for women of colour and gender equality since she was 11 yrs old,” she wrote.
“She has held a place on the world stage for years before she met Harry as a UN women’s advocate.”
“I am appalled that this woman is abused and berated by the public and media on a daily basis,” she added.
“Not many people could mentally cope with the hate she contends with. No wonder her husband took her away and despite everything they are thriving. Their reception in Nigeria has been wonderful to see.”
“Last week I defended them against one of their detractors on tv and received 103 complaints from Ofcom!!!” Denise concluded.
“Good. Also utterly pathetic.”