Loose Women hit with hundreds of Ofcom complaints over ‘racist’ Ukraine refugee row

LOOSE Women has been hit with hundreds of Ofcom complaints following a fiery clash over racism at the Ukranian border. Janet Street Porter and Charlene White had a heated debate on the show last week, which has led to over 200 people complaining to the broadcasting regulator. The presenters spoke over each other as they […]

LOOSE Women has been hit with hundreds of Ofcom complaints following a fiery clash over racism at the Ukranian border.

Janet Street Porter and Charlene White had a heated debate on the show last week, which has led to over 200 people complaining to the broadcasting regulator.

The presenters spoke over each other as they clashed over the shocking claims that people are being stopped at the Ukrainian borders because of the colour of their skin.

Ofcom has recorded 211 complaints on the segment and will decide whether to investigate further.

It’s been reported that people in Ukraine have been pulled off transport and pushed back from crossing into Poland over their race.

Tens of thousands are trying to flee after Russian president Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.

An emotional Charlene said: “In the midst of all this – of people trying to flee their homes, dodge bullets and bombs and bombardment – they still have time for racism.

“There are thousands of Black, Asian, Syrian students and workers who have also been trying to get out of Ukraine and have been prevented from doing so because of incessant racism.

“They’ve not been allowed to go through borders into Poland, for example, and they’ve been pushed back.

“There are posters up saying ‘no blacks’, they’re being pulled off buses trying to get through because they’re not allowed to leave because they’ve been seen as being less than.

“It shines a light on the fact it doesn’t matter how devastated and scared people are, they always have time for the worst traits of humanity.

“My heart really does goes out to those doing all they can to help people, but will not help anyone whose skin is darker.”

Her co-presenter Janet stepped in and pointed out the number of refugees Poland has taken in over the past week.

“I hear what you’re saying and I completely understand it,” said Janet.

“On the news last night they did show how badly they had been treated and the effort it had taken for them to cross the border.

“But I also think that Poland has exceeded all expectations in accepting 150,000 refugees.”

Charlene agreed but raised her voice as she argued: “But if you have thousands of refugees you can’t stand there and say ‘oh you 50 people come in, but you four people can’t because you have darker skin’.”

Janet replied: “I know, but this isn’t a surprise to any asylum seeker who has moved across Europe.”

Charlene insisted there would be many taken aback by the shocking scenes.

She said: “To a lot of people it will come as a surprise. It didn’t come as a surprise to me because I am a black woman who has travelled in Europe and have dealt with a lot of ups and downs that can come with.

“I love travelling but you always have to make a judgement call about situations in a way that you won’t have to Janet.”

Ending the debate on good terms, Charlene told Janet: “It’s easy as journalists to say ‘everybody knows’, but not everybody does know and that’s why it’s important to have programmes like this to talk about the things that we do.”