Yahoo News Louise Redknapp and Kéllé Bryan address Eternal LGBTQ+ row in Loose Women reunion
The bandmates were back together on daytime TV, where they addressed the spat side by side.
What did you miss?
Louise Redknapp and Kéllé Bryan have addressed the Eternal LGBTQ+ row side by side as they were reunited on Loose Women.
The bandmates, who first met at school aged 11, appeared on the ITV1 chat show together on Wednesday and despite saying that their joint booking "wasn't planned", they took the opportunity to share their feelings on the recent drama surrounding Eternal's possible reunion.
Redknapp and Bryan pulled out of a reunion tour earlier this week over a spat with their other two bandmates, Easther and Vernie Bennett, on LGBTQ+ rights.
What, how, and why?
Eternal's possible reunion tour was hit by controversy over an apparent row between bandmates, swiftly followed by Redknapp and Bryan dropping out.
Bennett sisters Easther and Vernie had allegedly refused to commit to concert dates at Pride and LGBTQ+ festivals, reportedly because of their views on the trans community.
So when Redknapp was booked for her first ever appearance on Loose Women and just so happened to be on the same show as panellist Bryan, they of course had to speak about Eternal's troubles.
Bryan hugged Redknapp and addressed the elephant in the room straight away.
She said: "The timing is a bit odd with everything that's going on in the press. I was booked on the show a month ago and this has never happened before, it's just bonkers with all the stuff that's going on at the moment."
Redknapp agreed: "It wasn't planned."
— Louise Redknapp (@LouiseRedknapp) September 24, 2023
Talking about the controversy, Redknapp continued: "For me I've always been open, I always would have loved to do a reunion with the girls and I've been very open about that throughout the years.
"I just feel passionate that the LGBTQ+ community were involved and included, it's just that simple.
"I have a lot of love for what we've done together. We're still the best of friends, which has been incredible."
Bryan also offered her own feelings, saying: "I made my statement, I've been really clear that being a part of this band has been life-changing for me, the music and the relationship with the fans is what's been most important and so long as that's for everyone, that's the main thing."
What else has been happening with Eternal?
Over the weekend, reports emerged about the Eternal rows, with Redknapp posting a picture of the Progress Pride flag to social media captioned "Always & Forever".
Bryan also posted about the controversy on Instagram, saying they had found it difficult to get the timing right for a reunion that didn't clash with family commitments and added: "The relationship with our fans and the joy of celebrating our success was, and still is, my motivation.
"My stance and allegiances have always been that I am an advocate for inclusion and equality for all."
Redknapp's publicist Simon Jones gave further details in a statement which read: "A message was sent to the team putting together the Eternal reunion stating that if it was to go ahead, neither Vernie nor Easther would perform at Pride shows or LGBTQ+ festivals.
"This was because the duo felt that the gay community was being hijacked by the trans community and they do not support this.
"Louise is a huge supporter and ally of the LGBTQ+ community and both herself and Kéllé told the duo they would not work with anyone who held these views, and as such the reunion as a four would not be going ahead.
"The team behind the proposed Eternal reunion are gay including management, PR and tour promoter, and neither myself nor any of the team would work with artists who held such views about the trans community."
But Eternal's original manager Denis Ingoldsby claimed that the Bennetts were "devastated" by the allegations and said that Redknapp had "thrown them under the bus".
Vernie posted to Instagram: "I am 'Eternally' grateful for the family, friends, and amazing fans who have and continue to support our incredible journey and artistry.
"I've been blessed to connect with so many diverse and wonderful people from all walks of life during my career. You all have a piece of my heart.
"Though it is impossible and counterproductive to respond to the overwhelming number of statements and allegations made online recently, I place this moment in God's hands.
"I truly appreciate all who continue to express love and support for my family and Eternal."
