Entertainment

Olympics host Clare Balding made complaint over ‘joke’ about her sexuality

Published

1 month ago

August 11, 2024

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Olympics presenter Clare Balding was previously the victim of a vile “dyke” insult – and she soon did something about it.

The telly favourite was embroiled in a furious row back in 2010 when a newspaper columnist allegedly made “homophobic” remarks about her sexuality.

As a result, she lodged a complaint with the Press Complaints Commission. And luckily the end result “delighted” Clare – who is hosting the Olympics today (August 11).

Clare Balding speaking in a green shirt on GMB — Clare was not impressed over a remark made by a journalist (Credit: ITV)

Olympics host Clare Balding furious over ‘homophobic’ insult

In 2010, the Sunday Times’ TV and restaurant critic, AA Gill reviewed Clare’s new programme, Britain by Bike.

Not impressed with the terminology used in the review, Clare complained to the newspaper’s editor, John Witherow, about the article and its tone. However, John’s response left her horrified.

AA Gill had written: “Some time ago, I made a cheap and frankly unnecessary joke about Clare Balding looking like a big lesbian. And afterwards somebody tugged my sleeve to point out that she is a big lesbian.”

After a mock apology, he continued: “Now back to the dyke on a bike, puffing up the nooks and crannies at the bottom end of the nation.”

Clare ‘appalled’ by response

Clare was quick to complain to John Witherow. However, she was “appalled” after reading his reply.

He said: “In my view some members of the gay community need to stop regarding themselves as having a special victim status and behave like any other sensible group that is accepted by society. Not having a privileged status means, of course, one must accept occasionally being the butt of jokes. A person’s sexuality should not give them a protected status.

“Jeremy Clarkson, perhaps the epitome of the heterosexual male, is constantly jeered at for his dress sense (lack of), adolescent mindset and hairstyle. He puts up with it as a presenter’s lot. And in this context I hardly think that AA Gill’s remarks were particularly cruel. Especially as he ended by so warmly endorsing you as a presenter.”

Clare Balding speaking on Loose Women — The TV star made a complaint (Credit: ITV)

‘Too often used as an insulting term’

Clare then responded: “When the day comes that people stop resigning from high office, being disowned by their families, getting beaten up and in some instances committing suicide because of their sexuality, you may have a point.

“This is not about me putting up with having the [expletive] taken out of me, something I have been quite able to withstand. It is about you legitimising name calling. ‘Dyke’ is not shouted out in school playgrounds (or as I’ve had it at an airport) as a compliment, believe me.

“I am happy to be described as a lesbian, as and when relevant. But ‘dyke’ is too often used as a pejorative and insulting term.”

‘Enough is enough’

At the time, Clare told the Guardian: “I just think there is a time when you say enough is enough. I can take pretty much anything. Words are just words. I’ve been through a lot worse. But this has a huge impact on lots of other people and that’s why I thought, that’s not on.”

Clare Balding ‘delighted’ by result

A few months later, and in September 2010, it was revealed Clare’s complaint had been upheld. The PCC ruled that some of the words were used in a “demeaning and gratuitous way”.

After the judgement, Clare said she was “delighted” with the verdict in a statement.

“It was important for me and, crucially, for millions of other people quietly going about their work, to make the point that we deserve to be judged on our ability to do our jobs and not on the basis of our race, religion, gender or, in this case, sexual orientation,” she said.

Clare went on: “I would like to thank all those who offered their support via email, letter and Twitter. They gave me the strength to stand up and be counted.

“I hope that this decision shows we are moving on from the days when derogatory comments about a person’s sexuality were regarded as clever or funny.”

The Olympics airs on Sunday (August 11) on BBC One at 7pm.

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Kelly Brook on recurring row she has with husband Jeremy weekly

Published

4 hours ago

September 15, 2024

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Star of Celebrity Race Across The World Kelly Brook previously revealed the row she and her husband have every week.

The British TV star formed a relationship with her model husband Jeremy Parisi in 2015. In July 2022, the pair tied the knot with a ceremony in Italy.

Kelly Brook and Jeremy Parisi smiling — Kelly and husband Jeremy have been married since 2022 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Kelly Brook and husband Jeremy argue about the same thing

However, while talking to The Guardian last summer, Kelly opened up about the “Sunday arguments” she and Jeremy have.

“Jeremy is an energy saver, so he’ll always put the 15-minute wash on,” Kelly revealed. “I argue that’s not long enough to wash anything and examine every T-shirt for the remnants of a stain. We have that debate at least once a week.”

Kelly shared that the rest of her Sundays usually consist of driving down to Kent to visit family and eat dinner with her mum, brother, sister, nieces and nephews.

Due to Jeremy’s family living in Paris, they occasionally try to visit on the train when they can.

“Sundays are spent pottering, doing housey things, having barbecues, blowing up inflatables for the pool,” Kelly continued.

Kelly Brook and Jeremy Parisi walking — Kelly reveals Jeremy’s competitive streak (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Kelly didn’t realise how ‘competitive’ Jeremy was

Before taking part in Celebrity Race Across The World with her husband Jeremy, Kelly admitted to Closer that she was unaware how seriously her man would take the race.

“I didn’t realise how competitive he was, like, crazy competitive. I’m much more about the experience. I think I got on his nerves because he was full steam ahead,” she said.

“If Jeremy was doing the race alone, he’d have finished it in a week. I was kind of slowing him down a little bit and I was like, let’s have a Brazilian barbecue one day or let’s go to the beach.”

Celebrity Race Across the World is on Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One. It’s repeated Sunday afternoons on BBC Two.

Kelly Brook Often Feels Judged for Not Having Children | Loose Women

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Celebrity Race Across The World star Kelly Brook on ‘wake-up call’ after punching two of her exes

Published

4 hours ago

September 15, 2024

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Celebrity Race Across The World star Kelly Brook previously opened up about hitting her ex-boyfriends, admitting it’s “something she needs to work on”.

The TV star, 44, has had a slew of relationships over the years. From Hollywood heartthrobs to sports stars, Kelly’s love life has not always been a walk in the park.

Kelly has since found love with husband Jeremy Parisi – with the pair back on screen today (September 15) for Celebrity Race Across the World.

However, in 2014, Kelly made headlines when she confessed to assaulting two of her ex-partners.

Kelly Brook on Loose Women — Kelly previously made headlines after admitting she assaulted her exes (Credit: ITV)

Race Across The World star Kelly Brook admits assaulting boyfriends

In 2014, Kelly released her autobiography, Kelly Brook: Close Up. In the bombshell book, Kelly revealed that she had punched two of her former partners, Jason Statham and Danny Cipriani, in separate incidents.

According to Kelly, she punched Jason Statham at Madonna’s wedding to Guy Ritchie in 2000, for reportedly flirting with Gwyneth Paltrow.

And the model also admitted she assaulted Strictly star Danny Cipriani after she allegedly caught him cheating.

Kelly Brook and ex Danny — She spoke about the incidents in her autobiography (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Kelly Brook admitted she’s ‘not an angel’

Kelly spoke about punching her exes while speaking on ITV’s This Morning in 2014. Despite the severity of her actions, the actress claimed it was down to her “fiery” personality.

“It’s true, I did both of these things,” she said. “I’m not saying I’m an angel or that the things I’ve done are right, I’m not saying that’s the right thing to do at all. But I guess I get some of that fiery passion from my parents.”

She added: “I’m not going to make a habit of doing that in the future. I’m just going to pick more wisely with the men I be with.”

Jason Statham speaking — Kelly dated actor Jason Statham (Credit: YouTube)

‘It’s a wake-up call’

While in her 2014 autobiography, Kelly discussed her previous assaults, admitting it was “something she needs to work on”.

“I think if you come from a background where you’re disrespected that’s how you retaliate, it’s natural,” she shared, as MailOnline reports.

“It’s obviously something I need to work on because I don’t want to go around punching people.”

Kelly added: “I have a real tolerance threshold, but sometimes these boys just push your buttons and it’s a wake-up call: ‘This cannot continue.’”

Watch Kelly on Celebrity Race Across The World on Sunday (September 15) at 5:30pm on BBC Two.

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Michael Douglas on ‘bump’ that caused Catherine Zeta-Jones split

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2024

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Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas are a beloved Hollywood couple – but the pair once shocked the world by splitting for a brief while.

Welsh star Catherine and actor Michael first met back in 1998 and quickly hit it off. Fast forward to now, and the couple are still loved-up and proud parents to son Dylan, 24, and daughter Carys, 21.

However, like most couples, their romance previously hit a bump in the road, with the pair briefly splitting. Something Michael later said was a “difficult time”.

Catherine and Michael smiling — The pair have been together for nearly three decades (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas

Catherine – who is starring in the movie Dad’s Army today (September 15) – and Michael tied the knot in November 2000 during a stunning ceremony at the New York Plaza Hotel.

And after almost 24 years of marriage and 26 years as a couple, the Hollywood pair are still together. But between 2013 and 2014, the couple split for a little while.

In August 2013, Catherine and Michael announced they were taking a break from being together. In a statement, they said they wanted some time to “evaluate and work on their marriage”.

Michael and Catherine split in 2013

However, in September, Michael shared an update with People about his relationship status. He said: “We’re working things out, talking and we’ll see how she goes.”

And by the end of April 2014, Catherine and Michael had seemingly gotten back together, with the pair attending several events together.

A year after they reconciled, Michael opened up about the couple’s split during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

“It can’t be a one-way street. But I’m crazy about her. And yeah, I think every couple has their difficult times,” he said at the time.

“The only problem is, as you well know, we’re all in the public eye, and it tends to get a little more exposed than most,” Michael added. He then declared: “We’re back stronger than ever.”

Michael on why he and Catherine Zeta-Jones split

Michael also addressed his and Catherine’s split, talking to Event magazine in 2015. He admitted: “We had a little bump in the road.”

Michael went on: “The problem in this business is that everything is so public.

“I love Catherine as much, more than I ever have. And hopefully the feeling’s mutual. We worked things out – if both people want to work something out and make it better, you can do it,” he said. “You can’t do it if it’s just one person.”

Watch Catherine on Dad’s Army on Sunday (September 15) at 4:30pm on ITV1.