ITV denies ignoring Phillip Schofield’s inappropriate relationship rumours

ITV executives have denied turning a blind eye to rumours surrounding former presenter Phillip Schofield’s relationship with a youthful colleague, in line with testimony given to the Home of Commons tradition, media, and sport committee.

Schofield left This Morning and the community final month after confessing to mendacity about his affair with the person. 

ITV CEO Dame Carolyn McCall said that the affair was “deeply inappropriate,” however the community had no proof till not too long ago. She additionally expressed concern for Schofield’s well-being in the course of the listening to.

Dame Carolyn and two different executives have been known as to reply questions on ITV’s method to safeguarding and grievance dealing with. 

She talked about that rumours concerning the relationship started circulating after Schofield publicly got here out as homosexual on the present in February 2020, resulting in heightened hypothesis on social media. Regardless of a number of inquiries, Schofield repeatedly denied the alleged relationship.

The executives asserted that they weren’t conscious of tangible proof or formal complaints associated to the rumors. Dame Carolyn revealed that ITV is funding counseling for Schofield, who admitted feeling suicidal because of the controversy.

Dame Carolyn confirmed there was no gag order or non-disclosure settlement stopping the unidentified man from talking out.

Schofield acknowledged that folks may understand an abuse of energy however said that it didn’t really feel that manner on the time. In response to accusations of a poisonous tradition at This Morning, the executives said they have been deeply disillusioned and didn’t recognise such claims.