
Eamonn Holmes forced to apologise after slur to Kerry Katona live on GB News
The broadcaster, 65, was speaking to the former Atomic Kitten singer about cosmetic surgery she had on her eyelids.
"You don't look oriental or anything, do you?" Holmes asked Katona during the GB News interview on Thursday (21 August).
He later issued an apology, telling viewers: "Apparently you're not allowed to describe someone as looking oriental or I don't know how I would then describe Kerry Katona if her eyes change shape... The world is ridiculous how you have to apologise for people.
"Kerry looks well. And I'm sorry if you don't look well and we've offended you in any way."
The term has been widely condemned as outdated; former US president Barack Obama banned its use in US federal law.
Mai Anh Peterson, who co-founded the besea.n network for British ESEA communities, told The Guardian the term is "derogatory and dehumanising."
The Metropolitan Police no longer use the term.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
22 minutes ago
- The Independent
Eamonn Holmes apologises after using racial slur during GB News interview
Eamonn Holmes has said it is 'ridiculous' he was obliged to issue an on-air apology after using a racial slur. The broadcaster was interviewing former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona on GB News when he asked her if a recent procedure on her eyes had left her looking 'Oriental'. Discussing a facelift she had in 2024, Holmes asked Katona: 'Are you happy with the eyes?' Katona replied: 'I had them done over a year ago now – it was making my eyes feel a bit heavy so I had an uplift.' Holmes responded: 'And you don't look Oriental or anything, do you?' He later told viewers: 'Apparently, you're not allowed to describe someone as looking Oriental. 'I don't know how I would then describe Kerry Katona if her eyes changed shape. 'I don't know how I'm going to say, 'Does she look like someone from some other country in the eastern (part of the world).'' 'The world is ridiculous – how you have to apologise for people… if she painted herself… I don't know. I can't get into this, but anyway.' His co-host Ellie Costello said, 'But Kerry looks beautiful', and Holmes replied: 'Kerry looks well. I'm sorry if you don't look well or we have offended you in any way or… oh, I don't know.' In a video on her Instagram story, Katona said she was 'not offended' by his question. She said: 'Eamonn Holmes has been one of my oldest and longest friends and I absolutely adore and love him to bits. 'He said absolutely nothing untowards towards me, I was not offended in any way shape and form. I truly adore him.'


BBC News
23 minutes ago
- BBC News
Kristian Nairn withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, for medical reasons. Kristian Nairn says: 'With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I'm deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor. Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian." Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: 'We've absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he has all the makings of a brilliant Strictly Come Dancing contestant. We're incredibly sorry to lose him from this year's series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.' The new celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing will be announced on The One Show, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday 21 August from 7pm. GK Follow for more


BreakingNews.ie
23 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Eamonn Holmes apologises after using racial slur during GB News interview
Eamonn Holmes has said it is 'ridiculous' he was obliged to issue an on-air apology after using a racial slur. The broadcaster was interviewing former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona on GB News when he asked her if a recent procedure on her eyes had left her looking 'Oriental'. Advertisement Discussing a facelift she had in 2024, Holmes asked Katona: 'Are you happy with the eyes?' Kerry Katona said she was not offended by Eamonn Holmes's question. Photo: Ben Whitley/PA. Katona replied: 'I had them done over a year ago now – it was making my eyes feel a bit heavy so I had an uplift.' Holmes responded: 'And you don't look Oriental or anything, do you?' He later told viewers: 'Apparently, you're not allowed to describe someone as looking Oriental. Advertisement 'I don't know how I would then describe Kerry Katona if her eyes changed shape. 'I don't know how I'm going to say, 'Does she look like someone from some other country in the eastern (part of the world).'' 'The world is ridiculous – how you have to apologise for people… if she painted herself… I don't know. I can't get into this, but anyway.' His co-host Ellie Costello said, 'But Kerry looks beautiful', and Holmes replied: 'Kerry looks well. I'm sorry if you don't look well or we have offended you in any way or… oh, I don't know.' Advertisement In a video on her Instagram story, Katona said she was 'not offended' by his question. She said: 'Eamonn Holmes has been one of my oldest and longest friends and I absolutely adore and love him to bits. 'He said absolutely nothing untowards towards me, I was not offended in any way shape and form. I truly adore him.' GB News has declined to comment. Advertisement