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Anne Hegerty angers The Wright Stuff viewers with transphobic comment

Anne Hegerty attending the Simon Cowell and The Dorchester treat children supported by Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice to Afternoon Tea, London. (PA)
Anne Hegerty attending the Simon Cowell and The Dorchester treat children supported by Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice to Afternoon Tea, London. (PA)

The Chase’s Anne Hegerty is more often than not a popular TV figure, but has angered people this week after taking a transphobic swipe while appearing on The Wright Stuff.

Quizmaster Anne, 59, was on the morning show this week (15 March) to discuss the gender pay gap, women’s rights and equality, alongside transgender journalist Paris Lees.

After host Matthew, 52, addressed the issue of a gender pay gap, Anne’s response was that such a pay gap is non-existent. She declared that she wanted to be ‘on record as not really being terribly bothered’ by it.

Paris asked about the societal state of gender: ‘So you don’t think there’s an old boys’ club at the top then?’

To which Anne replied: ‘No, no not really.’

The quizmaster offended some viewers with her words. (Channel 5)
The quizmaster offended some viewers with her words. (Channel 5)

But it was when Paris retorted to say she disagreed, her response angered and shocked viewers. ‘Okie doke. Well, you used to be a boy, you’d know that.’

After a momentary awkward silence in the studio, Matthew swiftly moved on to other things.

However, the people watching at home couldn’t quite believe what they’d just witnessed, expressing their outrage on Twitter.

Anne upset people with her comments.(Channel 5)
Anne upset people with her comments.(Channel 5)

Shortly after, Paris spoke to the Sun and described the moment as ‘shocking’.

She said: ‘It was so shocking.’

‘The whole studio – the audience fell silent. I don’t think anyone knew what to say. You could have cut the atmosphere with a knife.

‘I was so shocked, I was processing it. I didn’t make a big deal out of it. I love the show and Matthew, and I’m sure she didn’t mean to be malicious. I hope she didn’t mean it to come across the way it did.

‘I didn’t say anything backstage, but everyone else came and checked I was OK. I’m not easily shaken, I’ve had worse in my time, but when you’re on TV, you don’t expect it.’

The show is no stranger to controversy and awkward moments, when just the other week I’m A Celeb finalist Iain Lee threatened to walk off live on an air subsequent left during the break.

Yahoo Celebrity UK has reached out to Anne Hegerty for comment.

Catch The Wright Stuff each morning, at 9.15am, on Channel 5.

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