TalkTV hit with Ofcom complaints after star 'quit' in Meghan Markle row
TalkTV has been hit with a wave of Ofcom complaints after a heated debate about Meghan Markle led to Royal expert Angela Levin hanging up during an interview. The broadcaster received 86 complaints following the episode of Cross Talk on April 22.
An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed that the complaints were in response to comments made by presenter JJ Anisiobi during an interview with Royal expert Angela .
The row erupted when JJ and Angela were discussing Meghan's latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard. Things quickly escalated when JJ accused Angela of having a vendetta against Meghan.
JJ said: "It sounds like you've got a vendetta against Meghan Markle. Angela, with respect, you sound like a troll, you sound like a social media troll."
Angela was taken aback by his comments, she responded: "No, that's very rude. You don't call someone a troll with respect, that's without respect."
She then tried to steer the conversation back to Meghan's promotional images for her new product.
Angela commented: "It was very set up, I thought, 'How ridiculous.' This is a jar of jam, why are we all getting hysterical about a jar of jam?"
JJ interrupted her, questioning who was getting hysterical over the images and pointing out that they were simply PR. He added: "She's trying to sell something, this is called advertising."
Challenging Angela on TalkTV, presenter JJ commented: "With respect, clearly you don't."
No longer wanting to engage with the broadcaster, Angela put an end to the conversation and hung up. Angela said: "You're here to fight me so why don't you say goodbye? You're very rude. Goodbye." Caught off guard by Angela's sudden exit, JJ expressed his surprise.
Commenting on her abrupt departure, he said: “Oh and she's gone, this is what happens when you challenge people and say 'Here's some facts, here's some truths' some people can't handle it. If people can't handle the truth, what do they do? They hang up."
Viewers of the show, however, were unimpressed with the way JJ conducted himself.
Taking to Twitter during the heated conversation, @vintagereadshow shared: "There is a way to present an alternative view that isn't aggressively attacking. It takes professionalism and experience. #TalkTV have used @angelalevin1 for years, now it's throw her under the bus time."
@margiemiranda87 wrote: "Angela I'm really sorry for the disrespectful manner in which you were treated by JJ. I'm no longer subscribing or watching #TalkTV."
@dreafahy posted: "I was offended for Angela. The only word that comes to mind is SHAME."
Twitter user @MelanieHT1919 expressed her disappointment, tweeting: "He was disgraceful and very rude. That should never be tolerated from a host."
