Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MPS slam TV host for ‘provocative, highly unethical’ behaviour and condemn him for ‘humiliating and denigrating’ woman guest on show
to humiliate and denigrate a woman on the basis of her sexual behaviour. Does ITV Studios condone this approach?”
The letter also asks whether the controversial presenter faced “any consequences for the language he used while filming”. It adds: “Do you accept that this level of provocation, towards often vulnerable contributors with no TV experience, is highly unethical?”
Guidance banned show guests from aggression and swearing. But the letter states: “In rushes [unedited footage], Kyle uses demeaning and insulting language. Why is it one rule for the presenter and one for contributors?”
In another clip, Kyle apparently tells audience members how to boo and shout “off-off-off ” to a participant. The letter asks: “Do you accept that Jeremy Kyle at times demeaned and humiliated contributors, setting a power dynamic via his body language by standing over them, and using mockery and insulting language? “In the rushes, there is an interaction between Jeremy Kyle and the crew in which [he] states ‘I’m right aren’t I’? and to which a member of the crew responds ‘You’re always right’. This implies that the crew, floor managers and directors do not attempt to question Jeremy Kyle’s behaviours.”
Kyle, 54, has been asked to face the committee but declined. And the letter comes after MPS criticised TV bosses for not knowing enough about lie detector tests. Mr Dymond, 63, was found dead at home in Portsmouth in May, a week after reportedly failing his test. He is reported to have had pre-existing mental health issues.
In September, a former guest told MPS he tried suicide after being vilified on the show. And “most-hated” guest Dwayne Davison claimed his post-show care was a one-minute phone call and his taxi fare home, after having his possessions taken away and being confined for 10 hours.
ITV previously said: “As a producer and broadcaster, ITV takes its responsibilities around duty of care seriously.”
The broadcaster’s Love Island has also faced increased scrutiny over aftercare following the deaths of ex-contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.
ITV Studios has been asked to respond by October 25.