Phillip Schofield is facing backlash after a poor choice of wording during an interview on This Morning.
The presenter and his co-host Holly Willoughby welcomed 23-year-old Jessikah Inaba on to the show. The young woman made history last week as the first Black, blind barrister in Britain.
Jessikah completed a five-year course using Braille to read legal texts at The University of Law in London. According to the Bar Standards Board’s Report on diversity at the Bar, just 14.7% of working barristers are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Jessikah’s commitment has been praised by Justice McGowan DBE who called her remarkable.
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While speaking to Phil and Holly, she said her next goal would be to progress further in her career. She said she hopes to one day eventually become a judge.
She also explained the hurdles she faced while struggling, as she had to make most of her own notes using braille. At one point, her study materials wouldn't fit in her bedroom so she was forced to move.
However, as she was explaining struggles she faced - both due to her disability and her race - Phil said: "That was an eye opener." Fans on Twitter were outraged saying that Phil clearly doesn't "think before he speaks".
Kaylie said: "Phillip Schofield just said 'that was an eye opener' to a blind woman on #thismorning" Ryan said: "Phil talking to a blind lassie on #ThisMorning and uses the term eye opener! Oh dear! Just doesn't stop to think does he?"
Jamie said: "@thismorning Did Phil Schofield really just say that?!! Talking to a blind woman and referring to a young blind girl from earlier years n week and saying 'it was an eye opener' deary me #ThisMorning"
ITV have been contacted for comment.
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