Thousands complain over ‘troll’ network’s TV show
Ofcom has received thousands of complaints over a Channel 5 documentary that critiqued reality star Charlotte Crosby's appearance.
TheChannel5documentary called ‘Celebrities – What’s Happened To Your Face?’, which dissected reality star Charlotte’s physical appearance and speculated over cosmetic work, sparked 7,082 complaints to UK’s communication regulator Ofcom.
Channel 5 has since removed the episode from its streaming platform and apologised.
Geordie Shore star Charlotte, who is from Sunderland, said the network had become ‘trolls’ and asked whetheritwouldtakeresponsibility for her ‘dip in mental health and plummeted selfesteem.’
She claimed that, despite repeated requests to Channel 5 by her agent that they not go ahead with the broadcast, it was aired on Thursday, April 22.
In a long statement shared on her Instagram page, Charlotte Crosby said: “Dealing with trolls is one thing, you ignore, you block.
"Butwhenthetrollsarethe mainstream TV channels? Will they now take responsibility for my dip in mental health and plummeted selfesteem?
"Do they take responsibility for the resulting press from the show, again discussing how ‘shocking’ my face is?
"Channel 5 has a list of mental health helplines on their websites – is this for viewersorthesubjectsoftheir poor choice in programming, like me?
"Broadcasters are so keen to do psych tests for shows yet at the same time give space to programmes which destroy the mental health of its subjects.
“Thathourcouldhavebeen used to host a mental health documentary. That hour could have educated the publicinthemanyissuesandgood causes which need publicity.
"That hour didn’t need to go after a 31-year-old woman for her appearance, choices and ‘rubber lips.’ "Whenisenoughenough?” In a statement Channel 5 said: “Channel 5 and the programme’s producers, Crackit Productions, take duty of care very seriously. While we acknowledge that the programme was Ofcom compliant, we have taken on board Charlotte’sfeedback.Weapologise for any upset caused.”