Loose Women star addresses backlash over poppy decision | UK News

Charlene White has stirred controversy amongst followers for showing on in style ITV daytime show Loose Women by not carrying a poppy.

On the Friday (November 1st) episode, Charlene joined by Nadia Sawalha, Judi Love, and Frankie Bridge, launched the show with enthusiasm: “We’ve got that Friday feeling guys. Welcome to your final Loose Women of the week and we definitely have that Friday feeling.”

She continued with pleasure in regards to the approaching festive season: “It’s the first of November, which means we are heading a lot closer to Christmas.”

However, shortly after the show started, sharp viewers seen one thing lacking Charlene was not carrying a poppy, in contrast to her fellow panellists.

On X, beforehand often known as Twitter, rapidly grew to become ablaze with feedback. A curious fan queried, “Where’s your poppy Charlene? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? #LooseWomen.”, stories the Mirror.

Others questioned her causes with one saying: “So what acceptable reason has Charlene got to NOT wear a poppy like most people would.” And one other inquiring: “Anyone know why Charlene isn’t wearing a poppy? “.

However, amidst the backlash, some viewers defended her alternative, with one commenting: “The poppy police are pathetic, bet there the same people who usually harp on about free speech yet they can’t handle someone not wearing a poppy #LooseWomen.”

Charlene beforehand opened up about her decision to not don a poppy, explaining her discomfort with endorsing one charity over others.

She additionally revealed that the racist and sexist abuse she faces made her decision even more difficult. The TV presenter elaborated: “I support and am patron of a number of charities, and due to impartiality rules, I am not allowed to visually support them all whilst presenting news programmes. That includes things like a red ribbon for World Aids Day, or a purple band for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.”

“Both these and many more charities do great things in the UK, but I’m not allowed to give them exposure on screen. So I feel uncomfortable supporting just one charity above all others, namely The Royal British Legion, but I fully support my colleagues who do choose to wear the poppy on screen.”

However, she continued to clarify that she nonetheless wears a poppy when she’s not on screen. “In my private life, it’s very different. I wear a poppy on Armistice Day – in fact I wear one that my friend Jen’s mum knitted for me a few years ago, she explained. “And I proudly have one of the ceramic poppies from the Tower Of London on my mantelpiece.

“So please don’t think that I don’t support the work that our service personnel do, or that I don’t understand the sacrifices made by servicemen and women 100 years ago. I do.”

Charlene talked about that her dad and uncle had been half of the armed forces and made it clear that she believes it is important to struggle for freedom of speech. She expressed: “I come from a Forces family. My dad served in the RAF, and my uncle served in the Army. When I first decided not to wear the poppy on screen, I spoke to both of them to make sure they were okay with it. And they both support my decision.”

Charlene additional added: “It is always important to remember what my family, your family, and millions of people over many generations have fought for: the right to choose, and the right of freedom of speech and expression.”

Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 at 12.30pm