Loose Women star Charlene White has hit back at critics after coming under fire for choosing not to wear a poppy on air ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.
During an episode of the ITV talk show last week, the 45-year-old presenter joined panellists Oti Mabuse, Judi Love and Kelle Bryan, all of whom wore poppies, while Ms White notably did not.
The red poppy is traditionally worn to honour those who lost their lives in war and to show support for the Armed Forces charity The Royal British Legion in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
Ms White’s decision sparked backlash across social media. “Disgusting woman!” wrote one user on X, while another asked: “Why was @CharleneWhite not wearing a poppy… so disrespectful.”
Charlene White has defended her decision not to wear a poppy on Loose Women
|PA
Others even called for her to be removed from the ITV panel show altogether.
In an Instagram post, Ms White has addressed the criticism alongside a black-and-white photograph of her late father, Mr Dennison, who served in the RAF and tragically died by suicide last month.
“My dad, in uniform during his years in the RAF,” she wrote. “An immigrant from Jamaica, who signed up to join the British Armed Services when he was just a teenager.
“I post this, as despite the fact I’m barely on the TV at the moment because I’m still grieving his shocking passing (and live TV is difficult for me at the moment) the hate, vitriol and racism aimed at me because of my personal decision not to wear a poppy on air has begun again.”
Some critics have suggested her choice not to wear the poppy means Ms White did not support the charity, but the Loose Women star used her Instagram post to explain why this wasn't the case.
Charlene White said that while she supports the armed forces, she will not wear the poppy
|PA
“I support the charity, I donate to its work, I believe in its work, and I wear a poppy off-screen. But I believe in the impartiality rules which exist in broadcasting regarding charities," she clarified.
The newsreader added: “You may not agree with me… but disagreement does not legitimise the abuse. It is not what my dad, my uncle, my close friends and millions of others served for.”
Ms White said those directing racist comments should “take a moment to think about their actions”, particularly given she is still dealing with the grief of parental suicide.
Following her post, the ITV News journalist was flooded with messages of support.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
“Sending you so much love,” comedian Alan Carr wrote, while radio presenter Clara Amfo commented: “TELL THEM.
”TV chef Melissa Ford added: “I despise this vitriolic pursuit of performative actions. Especially in the face of your grief. So sorry Charlene.”
The Royal British Legion also publicly backed her, posting: “@Charlenewhite We will always stand by you Charlene.” (sic)
Alongside the photograph of her late father, Ms White also shared a letter the charity sent her in 2013, the first time she faced abuse for her stance.
Charlene White appeared on Loose Women last week without a poppy
|ITV
The letter read: “The Legion understands that people choose to honour those who have given their lives in Service in their own personal and private ways… The Royal British Legion fully supports your decision.
"Ms White's latest statement echoes the sentiment she first expressed in an article for ITV last year, in which she first addressed the decision not to wear a poppy.
In 2024, she explained: "Please don't think that I don't support the work that our service personnel do, or that I don't understand the sacrifices made by servicemen and women 100 years ago. I do.
"I come from a Forces family. My Dad served in the RAF, and my uncle served in the Army.
Charlene White shared a photo of her late father, who fought in the RAF, as she explained why she will not wear a poppy
| PA"When I first decided not to wear the poppy on screen, I spoke to both of them to make sure they were okay with it. And they both support my decision. Of course, I don't expect everyone to support it.
"However, it is always important to remember what my family, your family, and millions of people over many generations have fought for: the right to choose, and the right of freedom of speech and expression."