Denise’s furious feud
After being labelled a ‘publicity-starved bore’, Denise Welch takes on Piers Morgan…
Denise Welch has long been an advocate for mental-health awareness, so it’s no surprise that, just hours after Piers Morgan labelled her a ‘publicity-starved bore’ for talking about her own struggles, she passionately retaliated.
The spat began when Denise, 59, challenged the outspoken Good Morning Britain host on controversial comments he’d made about post-traumatic stress disorder.
After singer Will Young opened up about his battle with the condition, Piers, 52, said, ‘ Will Young does not have PTSD. He has WNTS – Whiny Needy Twerp Syndrome’ – a statement Denise took umbrage at, considering her own history with mental health.
‘I’m horrified @piersmorgan by your comments on @willyoung and generally on mental illness. Making fun of those with PTSD? Shocking,’ she tweeted.
But Piers wasn’t stopping there – he went on to target Denise personally.
‘Pipe down, you publicitystarved bore. Like so many celebrities these days, you use “mental health” as a brandenhancing fashion accessory,’ he replied, before blocking her on the social media site.
Despite this, the pair have been locked in an increasingly bitter online feud.
Referencing her work as an ambassador for numerous mental health charities, including Mind and Heads Together, the former Loose Women star said, ‘I’m very hurt by this. I have lived with clinical depression for 30 yrs, @piersmorgan, since the birth of my child.
‘I’ve had several breakdowns, been hospitalised, and vowed to always speak out on behalf of those who don’t have a voice,’ she continued.
Piers later managed to rile Denise even further when he defended his decision to block her, commenting, ‘I [did it] because she’s so annoying. She was making me mentally ill.’
She hit out, ‘Five years ago, I did Piers Morgan’s Life Stories and he was sympathetic towards my mental health issues.
‘However, I’ve noticed that he’s falling into the Katie Hopkins trap. The more controversial and mean he can be... it’s people responding to him that he seems to enjoy,’ she added.
Following her comments, Denise’s supporters rallied around her and continued to call out Piers for his views.
‘Don’t understand how you/anyone can comment on such a stigmatised illness and question a person’s experiences with depression? DISGUSTING.’ While another added, ‘Piers Morgan, the ultimate keyboard warrior/ bully/coward.’