RENOWNED presenter Jeremy Clarkson has taken a stand against what he calls a “witch hunt” targeting former This Morning host Phillip Schofield. Clarkson expressed his disbelief over the controversy surrounding Schofield’s secret affair with a younger male colleague, stating that he had “never seen a witch hunt like it.”
Schofield, who had been a fixture on This Morning for more than two decades, was recently dropped by ITV after it was revealed that he had misled the broadcaster. The revelation of his affair sparked a wave of public scrutiny and criticism.
In an article for The Sunday Times, Jeremy Clarkson clarified that he had “no skin in the fight” concerning Schofield’s job. He argued, “He maintains that his lover was over the age of consent when their relationship became physical, but that hasn’t silenced the howls of disgust.”
Clarkson went on to express his bewilderment, questioning society’s inconsistent reactions to relationships with significant age gaps. He pointed out that people tend to react nonchalantly when hearing about celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio dating someone much younger, or when learning about Al Pacino’s 54-year age difference with his pregnant girlfriend.
The outspoken presenter stated, “I’ve never seen a witch hunt like it, and what baffles me most of all is that, as things stand, no crime has been committed.” Clarkson stressed that Schofield’s only “crime” appears to be his honesty about his sexual orientation. He noted, “He is only guilty of being what he said he was: gay.”
Clarkson further criticized the excessive public scrutiny surrounding the situation, suggesting that everyone who has ever encountered Schofield should face consequences. He sarcastically added, “Those who paid his wages or sat next to him in the studio must be hauled into televised committees so that bramble bushes can be inserted into their bottoms.”
Regarding the involvement of ITV executives, Clarkson believed that ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall and the director of television might not have been aware of the controversial affair. He concluded by stating that the public could expect numerous discussions about the duty of care.
The fallout from Phillip Schofield’s affair continues to generate heated debate, highlighting the complexities of public opinion and the treatment of public figures. As the story unfolds, the focus remains on the broader issues of privacy, sexuality, and the public’s role in the personal lives of celebrities.
