Garden Rescue’s Lee Burkhill blasts ‘homophobic’ trolls after vile comments about outfit as he’s told to ‘cover up’
GARDEN Rescue’s Lee Burkhill has blasted ‘homophobic’ trolls after he a viewer hit out at his outfit and told him to cover up.
The TV personality, 40, is openly gay and has previously spoken out about being bullied as a teenager for his sexuality.
According to Celeb Pie, Lee is married, but the identity of his partner is unknown as he prefers to keep his personal life private.
In an episode of Garden Rescue which aired on Monday night, September 11, he was wearing a vest top while working hard to transform a couple’s outdoor space.
One viewer criticised his choice of clothing on social media, saying: “I wish you wouldn’t wear that awful vest which shows off far too much of your flesh. Wrong programme for that attire.”
Lee hit back at the troll on X, formerly known as Twitter, defending his outfit.
He wrote: “Hahaha I’m glad it’s causing so much fuss. Maybe focus on the plants more?
“Be careful I’ll pair it up with my hyper short shorts and really give you all a show! Happy gardening!”
The presenter expanded on the disagreement on Instagram, sharing why he believes the comment was a homophobic attack.
He said: “Who knew a vest could become so controversial!
“Seems like there’s a few outraged viewers that I dare… dare to wear a vest. Scandalous. Disgraceful. Provocative!
“Whether it’s just those lovely hateful emails or just people having a rant on Twitter. Let’s have a look at why the humble vest may be causing such drama!
“I’ve been having a think because – the landscapers can wear vests? Female identifying presenters can wear vests? But somehow I’m inappropriate?
“Hmmm is there some subtle homophobia going on?
“Am I just too delicious to handle at 3.45 in the afternoon? Will I corrupt your children to a punk way of life? Steal your husbands? Put you off gardening with fleshy desire?
“Who knows. One thing for sure. Keep the comments coming and for every one I’ll reveal even more of who I am. Unapologetically Ninja.
“You want my expertise but not my style? Sorry babe they come as a pair.”
Fans of the garden designer backed him in the row, saying that the commenter was being unreasonable and might just be jealous of his upper arm strength.
Garden Rescue returns at 3.45pm every weekday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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