Cat Deeley under pressure to apologise for 'stupid' This Morning remark
This Morning's Cat Deeley was criticised and called "stupid" after she jokingly mentioned having a "seizure" while dancing to a Meghan Trainor song yesterday.
Cat and Ben Shephard were preparing to welcome pop star Meghan Trainor on the couch to discuss her single, personal life with husband Daryl Sabara, and the challenges of work-life balance. Before sitting down for an interview with the 30 year old singer, they teased the upcoming segment while Trainor's breakout single All About That Bass played in the background.
Returning from a break, Cat was seen dancing to the tune with Ben looking at her oddly. "Nothing to see here," she quipped as she continued her dance. When Ben inquired: "You alright? OK", she paused and smiled, saying: "Yeah I'm fine. Just having a seizure. Welcome back."
The comment not only made Ben laugh uncomfortably but was also noticed by fans, some of whom are even calling for an apology from the presenter.
One viewer took to social media, writing: "Wow @catdeeley @thismorningchoose your words more wisely! You really think seizures are funny!? What a stupid thing to say and then snigger at!"
Another chimed in with: "Did Cat Deeley actually just say that! This Morning, not so sure people who actually do have seizures will appreciate such a stupid comment!"
A third person posted: "Wow! Cat Deeley dancing and saying she is having a seizure! Is she for real! This Morning, she needs a telling off and as someone with epilepsy I await her apology! Epilepsy isn't a joke and shouldn't be treated as one!"
In a statement, shared with Metro.co.uk, Epilepsy Society’s Chief Executive, Clare Pelham, said: "At the Epilepsy Society we do not wish to become some sort of grim “thought police” patrolling the borders of acceptable language. We understand that all of us – even professional broadcasters – make impromptu remarks that we regret. And we are sure that Cat did not intend to be unkind.
"But one of the biggest challenges that the 1 in 100 people with epilepsy face is everyday stigma. People literally walking by on the other side of the road when they see us having a seizure. Or worse, sometimes shouting abuse," she continued.
"Many of them have been in touch with us to say how disappointed they were that This Morning did not do better to show leadership by raising awareness of our poorly understood condition."
Cat and Ben became the official 'new' presenters of This Morning in March this year, after the departure of Phillip Schofield, and then later, Holly Willoughby.
