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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Jasmine Allday & Tasha Hall

Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh sparks record Ofcom complaints over 'terribly white' Coronation comments

ITV has reportedly been hit with over 4,000 Ofcom complaints following the highly controversial remarks made by Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh who said King Charles' historical balcony moment was "terribly white".

Charles officially became King alongside his wife Queen Camilla in the landmark event at Westminster Abbey at the weekend, with the new head of state explaining he envisioned a 'slimmed down' version of the monarchy.

We reported previously how there were many key figures missing from the iconic balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace, in line with the King's beliefs about what he wanted for his big day as people watched on across the nation.

Bridgerton star Adjoa appeared on ITV GMB's special show on the day of the Coronation, where she was speaking about the royals on the balcony and commented how the Buckingham Palace balcony was "terribly white," before later insisting she didn't intend to cause offence after it sparked online backlash.

The coverage has now been hit by a string of Ofcom complaints over the 60-year-old's comments as the show has now received 4,165 complaints over the coverage. According to the Mirror, the 4,165 complaints made to the public service broadcaster make it Ofcom's most complained moment so far this year.

The 60-year-old is known for her role in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton. (Press Association Images)

Netflix star Adjoa discussed alongside Myleene Klass the newly crowned King and Queen, when she shared her thoughts on the moment they were joined by members of their family to wave at the public from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

"We have gone from the rich diversity of the Abbey to a terribly white balcony," Adjoa said when chatting to ITV presenters Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham during the ITV live coverage, " I am very struck by that. I am also looking at those younger generations and thinking: 'What are the nuances that they will inhabit when they grow?'"

Despite the complaints, the actress had been supported by many people online, who pointed out a "lack of critical thinking" from those slamming Adjoa.

Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, who often appears on shows like Good Morning Britain, showed her support for the actress, as she wrote on Twitter: "#AdjoaAndoh told no lies in factual observation of ‘terribly White’ (literal & symbolic) Buckingham palace balcony at #Coronation in contrast to tokenism of race diversity at Westminster Abbey & got branded ‘racist’.

"White people false equivalence of racism is laughable. For me it’s the lack of critical thinking re why the contrast is terrible as she rightly points out. Even if Adjoa Andoh spent 99.99% on TV adulating King Charles & British Monarchy, that one observation of White Balcony erases it because for racists she doesn’t know her place."

Following the backlash, Adjoa explained how she didn't intend to cause such outrage with her comments directed towards the Royal Family on the historical day for the family and nation.

"I think I upset a few people yesterday," she said, "I was talking about the day and how marvellous it was and then looking at the balcony at the end and suddenly going: 'Oh it's so white!' because the day had been so mixed and I didn't mean to upset anybody."

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