This Morning bosses reportedly ordered Cat Deeley to apologise live on air, after she came under fire for a comment she made on the ITV programme.
During Monday’s episode, the 47-year-old was filmed dancing to Meghan Trainor’s song All About That Bass when she joked that she was “having a seizure”.
Cat’s comment was quickly condemned by The Epilepsy Society, who said seizures are “no laughing matter” in a statement.
hey everyone! I don’t generally post twice in a day but this needs addressing
People die from seizures and epilepsy is a life threatening condition and I am so appalled at Cat Deeley and This Morning for airing this, there needs to be more awareness for epilepsy pic.twitter.com/nDmGzGoS8P— Pippa Meadowcroft (@MeadowcrftPippa) June 17, 2024
The following day, the presenter issued a public apology for her comments live on air.
On Tuesday’s This Morning, Cat said: “I just wanted to apologise to anyone who was offended yesterday when I made a light-hearted comment about my dancing style.
“It really wasn’t supposed to cause any upset to anybody, but I can see why that might have been the case.”
Cat Deeley apologises for her comments yesterday.
I feel like she was trying not to laugh while saying sorry pic.twitter.com/iE9n65FKd0
— Ryan (@breakingryan1) June 18, 2024
A source has since told MailOnline that bosses asked Cat to apologise in order to avoid any more controversy.
A show insider said: “This Morning are so worried about offending anybody they asked Cat to apologise, hoping that would be the end of the matter. It’s not something she suggested, but understood the decision.
“The show is desperate to avoid any controversy after what’s happened over the past two years. But there is a feeling behind the scenes the apology wasn’t overly necessary.”
While Cat’s comment caused offence with some, many viewers took to social media to defend the star.
One tweeted: “She was making fun of herself and not people that have seizures. Sometimes we need to be less critical. It was clearly a joke on herself.”
Another added: “The British sense of humour is doomed! Get a grip. It was a joke at her expense, not other people.”
Cat joined This Morning alongside her co-host Ben Shephard in February, following a rocky few months for the ITV show.
Last May, Phillip Schofield announced his departure from the show, shortly before he admitted to having an affair with a younger male colleague.
Following his exit, Phillip’s co-host Holly Willoughby had been hosting This Morning with a rotation of guest presenters.
But in October, Holly dramatically quit the programme after a man was accused of plotting to kidnap and murder her.
