Presenter Trisha Goddard has been subjected to “even more abuse” following Leigh Francis’ apology over his depiction of her on Bo’ Selecta.
Last month, the comedian issued a heartfelt apology for impersonating black celebrities, including Trisha, Mel B and Craig David on the Channel 4 show.
'Since Leigh made that apology I have been subject to even more vile abuse.'@TrishaGoddard reveals she's suffered even more abuse since Leigh Francis made a public apology for his portrayal of her in 'Bo Selecta!'@susannareid100 | @piersmorgan | #GMB pic.twitter.com/VQrd5QAVfo
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 15, 2020
However, Trisha, 62, has since revealed Leigh’s video has resulted in a swarm of online abuse against her.
Speaking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain today, she said: “I don’t mind people joking about me, but it was the big lips, the big nose of the character, and a lot of people said ‘why didn’t you say anything then’, assuming I didn’t.
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“The other thing is people are saying ‘lighten up it’s a joke’. But if he portrayed Vanessa Feltz, a proud Jewish presenter, with a big nose, or Gok Wan working in a Chinese takeaway, they are all abhorrent, and I didn’t realise until very recently how badly bullied my children were.
“Since Leigh made that apology I have been subjected to even more abuse.”
Piers added: “That’s absolutely disgusting. It’s so disgusting.”
While Susanna shared her disbelief, saying: “Trisha, that’s shocking.”
Even more abuse
The former Dancing On Ice star continued: “[People saying] You’ve ruined his career just because you can’t take a joke, and there have been threats.”
Trisha said the comedy show left her feeling “hurt, distaste and disgust,” but she doesn’t blame Leigh entirely.
She added: “It’s not just down to Leigh, someone commissioned it, the whole thing. I don’t want it to be about Leigh, it’s about systemic racism.”
Leigh – who is best known for playing Keith Lemon on Celebrity Juice – reached out to Trisha and her family ahead of his public apology.
Leigh’s apology
Speaking about the bullying her daughter received over the show, Trisha added: “Leigh sweetly talked to my daughter Billie for a very long time about his experience.
“He was horrified what she went through, he said as a father he feels so bad about this.”
Last month, the comedian addressed his followers in a tearful video on his Instagram page.
Speaking from his home, he said: “Hi, My name is Leigh Francis and I play a character called Keith Lemon on television.
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“It’s been a weird few days. I’ve sat and thought about things and what I could post to try and help things.
“Back in 2002 I did a show called Bo Selecta and I portrayed many black people. Back then I didn’t think anything about it.”
Taking responsibility for his actions
He went on: “People didn’t say anything… I’m not going to blame other people.
“I’ve been talking to some people and I didn’t realise how offensive it was back then and I just want to apologise.
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“I want to say sorry for any upset I caused whether I was Michael Jackson, Craig David or Trisha Goddard… all people who I am a big fan of.
“I guess we’re all on a learning journey.”
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