Vanessa Feltz Apologizes Amid Backlash Over Gluten-Free Christmas Remarks

Celiac.com 01/30/2024 - Renowned television presenter Vanessa Feltz has issued an apology, after facing criticism for her comments on a gluten-free Christmas dinner during a segment on This Morning. The remarks sparked over 2,000 complaints to Ofcom, raising concerns about insensitivity and misinformation regarding celiac disease.

In the contentious segment, a caller mentioned that their mother-in-law was planning a gluten-free Christmas meal due to one guest having celiac disease. When the caller inquired about bringing their own food, they were reportedly discouraged from doing so. Feltz responded by stating, "So she’s treating celiac disease as if it’s a potentially fatal peanut allergy, and they can’t have anything with gluten in the house, which is completely unreasonable."

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The comments ignited a considerable backlash, with 1,092 initial complaints and an additional 1,177 subsequently filed, making it the fifth most-complained-about program in 2023. Ofcom is currently assessing the complaints before deciding whether to launch an investigation.

Feltz, known for her career in television and radio, later expressed regret on her TalkTV show, acknowledging the controversy. She played a clip of her initial remarks and then discussed the issue with Dr. Saleyha Ahsan and a viewer named Jason, who is personally affected by celiac disease.

Feltz clarified her stance, saying, "I did not, nor would I for a second, suggest that they should put the celiac guest at risk in any way, nor did I suggest that they bring their own food and shove it in their mother-in-law’s oven or put it on the table; I wouldn’t dream of that." She emphasized her intention was not to show disrespect or misunderstanding of the challenges faced by individuals with celiac disease.

Expressing astonishment at the reaction and stating that she checked her language with professionals, Feltz concluded, "I don’t think I said anything wrong, but if anyone misunderstood or felt that I did, I am very sorry."

The incident highlights the importance of accurate and sensitive communication, especially when discussing health conditions such as celiac disease, where adherence to a gluten-free diet is crucial for individuals' well-being.

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