Laura in a spin over Hopkins’ ‘Late Late’ slot
TV PRESENTER Laura Whitmore yesterday lashed out at The Late Late Show and Friday night’s controversial star guest, Katie Hopkins.
The Wicklow-born star of Strictly Come Dancing was infuriated by the decision to give Hopkins airtime.
RTE received more than 1,300 emails complaining about the decision to invite her on to its flagship show.
Yesterday, Whitmore tweeted a statement revealing why she was angry.
“I was booked to go on The Late Late Show a year ago to talk about my child sponsorship with Plan Ireland (I’ve sponsored a little girl for six years in the Philippines).
“I had made a trip a month before to raise awareness of the children, especially females, taken out of school too young to support their families. It was cancelled last minute and I was informed the charity had been told by the producer they don’t like doing those ‘charity pieces’.
“It angers me that certain other people who don’t need such a platform are given it to spread negativity and absolute nonsense. It leaves me with little faith in the world.”
Hopkins praised the election of Donald Trump: “What we needed in America was someone who was going to have a strong lead, who was going to stand up for white people, as well as black people.”
Addressing Trump’s attitude to women, she told host Ryan Tubridy: “Listen sweetie, I’d rather be grabbed by the p***y than have a p***y for president.”
Fellow Late Late guest Colette Browne responded: “I think it is important to say first that real men don’t sexually assault women.
“Real men don’t grab women and real men don’t behave like that.”
A station spokesman said last night: “The Late Late Show does not comment on editorial decisions.”
However, sources close to the show pointed to a number of recent charity-related items, including an appearance by Johnny Sexton to promote Debra Ireland.