Yahoo News Tom Jones accused of fat shaming The Voice UK winner
Veteran singer and The Voice UK coach Sir Tom Jones has come under fire for comments he allegedly made about former winner Leanne Mitchell's weight.
At the press launch of the new series of the singing competition Jones apparently said (via The Daily Mirror): "When she first came on, I thought about her trimming down a bit.
"Leanne had gotten comfortable singing in this holiday camp and she'd put on some weight.
"Rather than take the opportunity of winning The Voice and a having chance of getting a record deal, which she did, she put on more weight. She didn't have the drive.
"It didn't seem like she grabbed hold of it with both hands and say 'This is my chance'."
Eating disorder groups aren't happy with the comments, with the Mirror quoting one as saying: "If it was up to me, I'd sack him. It isn't the behaviour of someone we want to mentor up and coming talent."
Jones mentored Mitchell on The Voice back in 2012, and although she won the competition, chart success eluded her.
She previously admitted in 2013 that she hadn't spoken to her ex-mentor for months.
An ITV source told Digital Spy: "Tom was making a point about grasping an opportunity and genuinely meant no offence."
Digital Spy has reached out to representatives of Sir Tom Jones for comment.
The Voice UK returns to British TV tonight (January 7) on its new home of ITV. Jones will be joined by a returning will.i.am alongside new coaches Jennifer Hudson and Gavin Rossdale.
Ahead of the return, the coaches told us about the mistakes the show had made previously.
The Voice UK airs at 8pm on ITV.
Don't forget to vote for your favourite TV shows in this year's National Television Awards! Shortlist voting closes at 12 midday on Wednesday, January 25.
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