This Mornin g received 156 complaints from Ofcom after Eamonn Holmes commented on Dr Zoe Williams’ hair comparing it to an ‘alpaca’ on the ITV morning show.
Eamonn, 61, came under fire after he said to the health expert in jest: ‘You just want to pet it, don’t you? It’s very alpaca-ish.’
Although a mortified Eamonn has since apologised, saying it was meant to be a humorous, viewers complained to the TV watchdog.
Eamonn said of the incident: "Hey everyone out there. if my attempt at being humorous with my friend @DrZoeWilliams was misjudged I am mortified and humbly apologise to anyone who was offended."
Dr Zoe accepted Eamonn's apology and told her fans online: "It was mis-judged and I think it’s fair to say that both Eamonn and I wish it hadn’t been said.
She admitted she'd felt torn by the comment adding: "On the one hand it pains me to see the abuse that Eamonn has been receiving because of this (that’s not ok either).
"Eamonn is a friend of mine, he’s one of the most warm hearted people in television and has always been supportive of me and my career."
"But on the other hand it has opened the door to a conversation that I feel needs to be had.
"I’ve spent most of my life hearing comments about my hair from people who aren’t my friend, often combined with an attempt to touch my hair and it has a very different impact."
She also said: "And to those who were offended, my ask is not to take all of your frustrations out on one person who made a genuine mistake, but to use this example in a positive way to highlight and educate so that we can progress."
Viewers felt the comments were offensive and had racist undertones, comparing a Black woman’s hair to animal fur.
One said: "Did that really just come out of Eamonn’s mouth?"
Another added: "Uh Eamonn what tf was that about? Have u learnt nothing?! U never talk about petting a black woman’s hair. And saying it looks like an Alpaca?! [sic]"
It's unclear whether there will be a further investigation into the matter.
