Caroline Flack's Mum Calls out Jeremy Clarkson
Caroline Flack’s Mum Calls Out Jeremy Clarkson for Hateful Comments About Meghan Markle
Caroline Flack's mum, Christine, has condemned Jeremy Clarkson after the broadcaster made hateful comments in his The Sun newspaper column about Meghan Markle following the release of the "Harry & Meghan" Netflix docuseries. Christine made an emotional phone call to Shelagh Fogerty's show on LBC to declare that "people have got be kinder".
The comments in questions caused outrage as Clarkson wrote that he despises the Duchess of Sussex on a "cellular level", more than serial killer, Rose West. He went on to write that he dreams of the day she parades naked down the streets and people throw excrement at her. The column received immediate backlash for the blatant misogyny, with even Clarkson's daughter, Emily, speaking out against her father's comments, writing on Instagram, "I want to make it very clear that I stand against everything that my dad wrote about Meghan Markle and I remain standing in support of those that are targeted with online hatred."
Clarkson tweeted an apology on 19 Dec., writing, "Oh dear. I've rather put my foot in it. In a column I wrote about Meghan, I made a clumsy reference to a scene in Game of Thrones and this has gone down badly with a great many people. I'm horrified to have caused so much hurt and I shall be more careful in future." Yet the public have been calling for him to be sacked from presenting ITV's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and for his column revoked.
"If you're going to write something about someone, let it be nice, otherwise just leave it alone. Have your own opinions in private."
While public outrage and TV debates followed, nothing quite struck a chord as deeply as Christine Flack's heart-wrenching radio call. Her daughter, "Love Island" host Caroline, tragically took her own life in 2020. "It's upset me so much that Jeremy Clarkson has been allowed to, not only think that, but put it in print about somebody who we don't know," Christine says. After Markle opened up about having suicidal thoughts and suffering with depression as a result of press intrution, Christine highlights that we just don't know how fragile the Duchess might still be.
Speaking with LBC host Fogarty, the pair discuss the perils of writing something down in print, and the repercussions of hateful rhetoric. "When Carrie died, this thing about being kind, it isn't a joke, it's a real thing," Christine says. "If you're going to write something about someone, let it be nice, otherwise just leave it alone. Have your own opinions in private."
She continues to detail just some of the heartbreaking stories the Flack family have had to endure in the newspapers. Just a few months ago, stories were printed regarding Caroline's finances which were untrue. Christine wrote to the editor and was issued an apology but, like Clarkson's mediocre apology tweet, she believes it's "all too easy" to say sorry without learning anything or facing any consequences.
Listeners took to social media to remind others of the impact words can have. One tweeted, "If you need to be reminded of the impact of words in the media - listen to Caroline Flack's mother on LBC." Listen to the call below and make kindness your 2023 priority.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, Mind has resources available including a helpline at 0300 123 3393.
