Loose Women hit with complaints over 'racist' Ukraine debate

Loose Women received over 200 complaints over a discussion on the show relating to the refugee crisis in Ukraine.

Discussing the claims that people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine were stopped from doing so because of the colour of their skin, presenters Janet Street-Porter and Charlene White started arguing with each other.

Ofcom confirmed that they received 213 complaints.180 complaints related to comments made during a discussion about minority ethic refugees fleeing Ukraine. 33 complaints related to a discussion about racism and the Ukraine crisis.

In the episode broadcast on 1 March, White said: "In the midst of all this — of people trying to flee their homes, dodge bullets and bombs and bombardment — they still have time for racism."

She continued: "There are thousands of Black, Asian, Syrian students and workers who have also been trying to get out of Ukraine and have been prevented from doing so because of incessant racism. There are posters up saying 'no blacks', they're being pulled off buses trying to get through because they're not allowed to leave because they've been seen as being less than."

Street-Porter then pointed out the number of refugees that had been taken in by neighbouring Poland: "On the news last night they did show how badly they had been treated and the effort it had taken for them to cross the border. But I also think that Poland has exceeded all expectations in accepting 150,000 refugees."

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White then discussed her own experiences of travelling across Europe: "To a lot of people it will come as a surprise. It didn't come as a surprise to me because I am a black woman who has travelled in Europe and have dealt with a lot of ups and downs that can come with. I love travelling but you always have to make a judgement call about situations in a way that you won't have to Janet."

The two ended the debate on friendly terms with White saying: "It's easy as journalists to say 'everybody knows', but not everybody does know and that's why it's important to have programmes like this to talk about the things that we do."

Street-Porter was criticised by many on social media for her comments with one viewer saying: "It was painful watching Janet Street-Porter and her comments - clearly did not understand the point being made...her reply literally trying to justify what was happening to the people of colour in Ukraine..just because they let X white people in."

Watch below: Loose Women panel clash during heated Ukraine racism debate