He was quick to apologise but people are still calling for him to be sacked
Viewers of This Morning are calling for Eamonn Holmes to be sacked after he was accused of making a racist comment to fellow presenter and health expert, Dr Zoe Williams.
Holmes opened the doctor’s spot on the early morning TV show by saying, “Your hair reminds me of an alpaca today, you just want to pet it, don’t you?”, before failing to read the situation and doubling down: “It’s very alpaca-ish”.
https://twitter.com/NewsForAllUK/status/1425789673578934272?s=20
While Williams may not have looked immediately offended, she was clearly caught off guard by the left-field comment, simply replying, “Don’t touch my hair!”, while his co-presenter and wife, Ruth Langsford, interjected: “Yeah don’t touch the hair! Thank you Zoe see you later.”
Holmes has since apologised and insists the comment was an innocent attempt at humour:
Hey everyone out there. if my attempt at being humorous with my friend @DrZoeWilliams was misjudged I am mortified and humbly apologise to anyone who was offended.
— Eamonn Holmes OBE (@EamonnHolmes) August 12, 2021
Nevertheless, social media was quick to set alight as viewers tweeted their anger and disappointment, with one user simply writing: “RETIRE”.
This is why MANY black women avoid wearing their natural hair to work … even on Zoom in the comforts of their own home. Eamonn… disgusting. https://t.co/l8zNtu5PPT
— tobí rachel (@TobiRachel_) August 12, 2021
Moreover, others were quick to point out that Williams reaction was one of confusion and being totally uncomfortable in a situation where it is no doubt difficult for her to measure her reaction whilst on live television.
Also another thing. That laugh breaks my heart. That laugh is such a familiar sound. It’s a “wtf should I do” laugh. It’s a “if I speak” laugh. It’s a “if a say something I could be seen as angry” laugh. @EamonnHolmes care to comment?? https://t.co/NPjpbkqX6F
— 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬 (@NicoleRaquel_D) August 12, 2021
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