EAMONN Holmes has been told off by ITV bosses after describing Meghan Markle as ‘uppity’ because the word has racial connotations.
The presenter got an Ofcom complaint for discussing her attitude at Wimbledon when she refused to have photos taken of her in the Royal box.
ITV defended the presenter, saying that he was unaware of the connotations and that it has been banned from the network
The term caused uproar in the US when it was used to describe Barack and Michelle Obama a few years ago
Speaking on This Morning, he said: “If you have an uppity attitude, youre only through the door two minutes and suddenly youre sitting at Wimbledon and your royal protection are saying, ‘No photographs, no photographs!’ ”
As well as complaining to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom they wrote to the network’s Head of Diversity, Ade Rawcliffe.
Historically, the word ‘uppity’ was used in the US in the 19th century as an insult to black people who ‘didn’t know their place.’
ITV defended the presenter, saying that he was unaware of the connotations and that it has been banned from the network.
RACIAL SLUR
After the discussion with Ofcom, Ms Rawcliffe wrote to the unhappy viewer to explain the situation had been dealt saying: “Eamonn was unaware of the history of the term uppity and how it could be interpreted when describing Meghan Markle.
“We are not saying that ignorance is in any way a defence, he was using the term to describe what he interpreted as arrogance.
“The origins of the term have now been explained to Eamonn and the wider editorial team and it wont be used again. We apologise for any offence that this may have caused you.”
However, the complainant is said to be furious that Mr Holmes has not made a public apology.
There has been a similar row in America after it was used to describe Barack Obama and Michelle Obama a few years ago.
A spokesperson for ITV said last night: “At the time of the broadcast in July, Eamonn Holmes was unaware of the history of a particular usage of the term uppity and how it could have been interpreted when describing Meghan Markle.
“Eamonn was using the term to describe what he interpreted as arrogance. The history of the terms usage was clearly explained to Eamonn and the editorial team at the time and it wont be used again.”
