Jessica Mulroney's husband quits TV show amid her 'white privilege' row

The husband of Meghan Markle’s best friend has quit his TV job amid her ‘white privilege’ row.

Ben Mulroney, who is married to Jessica Mulroney, announced he was stepping down as host of etalk on Monday morning, saying he wanted to help create space for a new voice.

Mrs Mulroney’s show I Do, Redo was pulled by CTV after a public row with blogger Sasha Exeter, who said the stylist threatened her career.

Mrs Mulroney, who has previously been close to Meghan, apologised and said she would step back from her social media, handing her platform over to black voices.

Her husband appeared on CTV for the first time since the row on Monday where he said he would be stepping down from his show.

TORONTO, ON - MAY 13:  Jessica Mulroney and TV Personality Ben Mulroney attend Laughter Is The Best Medicine III Gala at Beanfield Centre, Exhibition Place on May 13, 2017 in Toronto, Canada.  (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)
Jessica Mulroney and husband Ben Mulroney have now both left or lost jobs over the row. (WireImage)

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He said: “I love my wife, however it is not my place to speak for her, and today we are both committed to doing the work to understand more about anti-Black racism as well as learn and understand more about our blind spots.”

Mr Mulroney, the son of Canadian former prime minister Brian Mulroney, added: “While I have certainly worked hard to build my career, I know that systemic racism and injustice helps people like me and harms those who aren't like me, often in ways that are invisible to us. This needs to change.

“More than ever, we need more Black voices, more Indigenous voices, more people of colour in the media as well as every other profession – and that is why I have decided to immediately step away from my role at etalk to create space for a new perspective and a new voice.”

TORONTO, ON - MAY 31:  Actress Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney attend the Instagram Dinner held at the MARS Discovery District on May 31, 2016 in Toronto, Canada.  (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)
Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney in 2016. (WireImage)

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Mr Mulroney will continue to work on special projects like the red carpet events, according to a press release from CTV.

Nanci MacLean, vice-president of Bell Media Studios, said: “We’re proud of Ben for his decision.

“Ben has played an integral role in the success of etalk, acting as a tireless champion of Canadian artists and productions.”

The Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan Markle's friend, Canadian fashion stylist Jessica Mulroney (second left) holds bridesmaids hands as they arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Photo by Ben Stansall/PA Images via Getty Images)
Jessica Mulroney (second left) holds bridesmaids hands as they arrive for Meghan and Harry's wedding. (PA Images)

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Mother-of-three Mrs Mulroney is thought to have met Meghan in Toronto, Canada, where the duchess was filming Suits.

The pair are understood to be close friends, with Mrs Mulroney appearing at Meghan’s wedding and arriving in the car with the bridesmaids to the chapel.

She was a frequent face on Meghan’s instagram account before it was closed down as news of her relationship with Harry emerged.

The Mulroneys have twin boys, called Brian and John, and a daughter called Isabel, who is known as Ivy.

Mr Mulroney was also the longstanding host of Canadian Idol.