Latest news with #VanessaFeltz
Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Vanessa Feltz: ‘I was chased down the street because I am Jewish'
Broadcaster Vanessa Feltz has revealed she was chased through the streets by a pro-Palestine activist who hurled anti-Semitic abuse at her. Feltz, 63, said a 'white man' tried to whip up fellow protesters after spotting her heading from work while he screamed 'fascist Zionist scum' at her with his speaker. The broadcaster feared she was set to become the victim of a mob attack before a female stranger intervened and told her to run for the Tube. Speaking on her LBC show on Friday, Feltz said: 'I'll tell you what happened to me not long ago. Often when I arrive here at Global, which is in Leicester Square, my arrival coincides with, as I walk along Piccadilly, one of the pro-Palestinian or pro-Gazan marches. 'But there was no march that week and when I came out of the building at six o'clock when the show was finished, there was a protest going on in Piccadilly. 'I was walking to get to the Tube station when suddenly I heard very, very loudly, 'Vanessa Feltz, Vanessa Feltz, fascist Zionist scum'. 'I wheeled round and there was a guy, he looked like a white guy to me, not that I know what his origin was, and he was chasing me, screaming into a megaphone and chasing me shouting. 'I'm a grandma, I'm 63-years-old, I've never been an athlete, I was wearing wedge shoes and carrying a handbag, and I thought, Oh my God, I can't run and if he catches me what will you do to me, is he going to beat me up?' Feltz revealed her ordeal when she was discussing Diane Abbott's claims that Jewish people do not suffer the same racism as black people. Feltz, speaking to Royal Holloway politics lecturer Michael Bankole, said: 'I'm only saying it because that's what I was called in the street. Obviously it wasn't because of the colour of my skin but it was because I'm known to be Jewish.' Ms Abbott was suspended from Labour again last week after she defended her 2023 comments about racism. The veteran MP apologised and was readmitted to the party before the 2024 general election, but in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Reflections programme last week, she said she did not look back on the incident with regret. Ms Abbott said: 'Clearly, there must be a difference between racism, which is about colour, and other types of racism because you can see a Traveller or a Jewish person walking down the street, you don't know. 'You don't know unless you stop to speak to them or you're in a meeting with them. But if you see a black person walking down the street, you see straight away that they're black. They are different types of racism. 'I just think that it's silly to try and claim that racism which is about skin colour is the same as other types of racism.'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Thug with loudhailer chases Vanessa Feltz through the street yelling 'fascist Zionist scum'
Vanessa Feltz has revealed a female stranger came to her rescue after a pro-Palestinian protester chased her through the street, abusing her over a loudhailer just because she is Jewish. The broadcaster said the 'white man' tried to whip up fellow protesters after spotting her heading home from work and screamed 'fascist Zionist scum' at her over his speaker. Feltz, 63, feared she was set to become the victim of a mob until the stranger intervened and told her to run for the Tube. She revealed the frightening recent incident for the first time as she discussed Diane Abbott's claims that Jewish people don't suffer the same racism as black people. The veteran MP was suspended from Labour again last week after defending her previous comments about racism, which had led to a year-long suspension. She apologised at the time and was readmitted back into the party before the 2024 General Election, but she doubled down on her claim Jewish people experience racism differently to black people in a recent new letter. Speaking on her LBC show yesterday, Ms Feltz said: 'I'll just tell you what happened to me not long ago. Very often when I arrive here at Global, which is in Leicester Square, my arrival coincides with, as I walk along Piccadilly, one of the pro-Palestinian or pro-Gazan marches. 'But there was no march that week and when I came out of the building at six o'clock when the show was finished, there was a protest going on in Piccadilly. 'I was walking to get to the Tube station when suddenly I heard very, very loudly, 'Vanessa Feltz, Vanessa Feltz, fascist Zionist scum'. 'I wheeled round and there was a guy, he looked like a white guy to me, not that I know what his origin was, and he was chasing me, screaming into a megaphone and chasing me shouting 'fascist, Zionist scum'. 'I'm a grandma, I'm 63 years old, I've never been an athlete, I was wearing wedge shoes and carrying a handbag, and I thought, 'Oh my God, I can't run and if he catches me what will you do to me, is he going to beat me up?' 'And also, 'are other people going to join him, what's going to happen to me?'' She recalled how at that point a woman came to her aid and stood between Ms Feltz and the man, shouting at her to run. Ms Feltz told listeners: 'She said, 'Go on Vanessa, you run' – not that I can run. But anyway I sort of waddled off in the other direction. I heard from her afterwards on Instagram – she just DM'ed me, 'Are you ok?'' Ms Feltz was speaking to Michael Bankole, politics lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London, whose research looks at racism and political representation. She added: 'I'm only saying it because that's what I was called in the street.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ben Ofoedu makes extraordinary swipe at ex Vanessa Feltz in his wedding speech after tying the knot with new wife 'Vanessa 2.0' in lavish £100k ceremony
Ben Ofoedu made an extraordinary reference to ex Vanessa Feltz as he married his new bride, who he affectionately calls 'Vanessa 2.0', earlier this week. The Phats & Small singer, 52, was previously set to marry the TV personality, 63, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023. He has since moved on with aesthetics expert Vanessa Brown, who is 23 years his junior, marrying in a lavish £100,000 ceremony in Cumbria. However, despite his romance with Celebrity Big Brother star Vanessa ending two years ago, Ben made a savage dig at his ex, claiming he'd 'wasted 17 years' in their relationship. In an exclusive Mail+ interview, Ben reflected on his relationship with the former This Morning agony aunt, stating: 'Never again will I do that. I wasted 17 years of my life. 'I don't believe in long engagements any more. You don't want to get married if there's a question mark over your engagement. 'If you don't want to commit to someone, that's fine. But don't pretend you do and hold on to someone for a long period of time. Let them free, let them fly.' Speaking of his joy at finally becoming a husband, Ben shared: 'I have been waiting for this feeling, I have always wanted to be married since I was seven years old. I always wanted to be with someone who would take my surname. 'I almost gave up on marriage, thinking there wasn't a lady that would walk down the aisle for me. 'I can't believe the day has come, it is a dream come true. It feels like I've been waiting for this moment all my life. This is the finale of the chapter that was 17 years of my life.' After undergoing therapy in the wake of their split, the DJ – who refuses to mention Feltz by name 'ever again' – said the torrid experience gave him clarity. 'I knew what I was getting into going out with someone that talks about their sex life on TV. What did I expect? It was great media attention for her. I went into it with my eyes wide open thinking it wouldn't affect me, but it did.' As he surveyed the crowd of loved ones, Ofoedu reflected that the most valuable outcome of his break-up with Feltz was 'finding out who my real friends are'. He said: 'I thought I was friends with everyone but people acted differently towards me [after the break up]. At the time it hurt me but it turned out to be great because it showed me who actually had my back – every member of Boyzone and a couple of boys from Blu who couldn't be here. 'But I know she [Vanessa Feltz] will look at these pictures today and see that everyone here knows the truth about our relationship and the narrative she spun. 'This love with Vanessa [Brown] has made me realise that the other one didn't love me as much as she made out, we had two different definitions of love.' Insisting he didn't want to make his special day about the 'past', Ofoedu added: 'All of that was worth it and everything happens for a reason because I've found my perfect person. 'The main thing now [is] it's ended happily ever after for me – getting married in a beautiful castle in Carlisle and I'm happy. 'Vanessa is the woman of my dreams, our connection was instant and when I found out she was dreaming of a beautiful white wedding fit for a princess, I thought, 'Ben, it's time to get your Prince Charming boots on and be the fairytale prince she's always dreamed of'. 'As I look back at our beautiful romance it has confirmed my belief that true love is waiting around the corner – you just have to keep the faith.' Bride Vanessa echoed the sentiment, beaming as she recalled how their connection had been 'instant', adding: 'It was like everything suddenly made sense. When you know, you know.' She revealed the couple hope to start a family within the next year and are planning a business venture together. 'But I know she [Vanessa Feltz] will look at these pictures today and see that everyone here knows the truth about our relationship and the narrative she spun' Though the new bride didn't shy away from referencing her husband's former relationship, she dismissed the negativity surrounding it. She said: 'When it comes to his last relationship, a lot of it is spiteful and untrue. 'I'm the right person for him. Their relationship ended for reasons the public weren't aware of. Everyone always says they have never seen Ben as happy as he is now. 'That's a testament to where he is in his life. He's completely fulfilled when previously he wasn't. 'To be honest I don't care whatsoever, I couldn't care less about her. She is his ex – I have exes – and they're in the past. 'Why would you care?' Brown adds, talking about Feltz. 'Enjoy your retirement, your family and just chill. Stop talking about it, it's so tragic! 'Part of me feels sorry for her but it's my life and I don't care.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Vanessa Feltz's friends rally round her as ex Ben Ofoedu claims he 'wasted 17 years' in their relationship following wedding to 'Vanessa 2.0'
Vanessa Feltz 's friends have rallied round her after her ex Ben Ofoedu claimed he 'wasted 17 years' in their relationship. The TV personality, 63, previously dated the singer, 53, for 16 years, and they were set to get married, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023. Ben moved on with aesthetics expert, Vanessa Brown - who he affectionately calls her 'Vanessa 2.0' and they married in a lavish £100,000 ceremony in Cumbria earlier this week. Joining the presenter on her show, Vanessa on 5, Francine Lewis said Vanessa was feeling 'pretty blue' in the wake of his wedding and vowed to find her a man. The singer, who starred on Britain's Got Talent in 2013, said: 'Vanessa deserves a man that will treat her like a queen not a door mat.' A close friend later told MailOnline: 'Vanessa's been really strong - he might be an ex but she still has a heart that got broken - he didn't hang about!' The TV personality, 63, previously dated the singer, 53, for 16 years, and they were set to get married, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023 (pictured in 2022) They added: 'Vanessa's got her girls rallying around her in support.' Vanessa met Ben in 2005, when she was at the height of her broadcasting fame and he was a little-known pop singer – best remembered for his stint in Phats & Small. The couple quickly became a fixture on the celebrity circuit and within months were engaged, with Vanessa proudly introducing him to the public as her fiancé. She frequently featured him in her media appearances, from red-carpet events to reality TV shows, reviving his public profile and transforming him into a household name. But behind the scenes, cracks were beginning to show. Their relationship came to a dramatic end in 2023 after he admitted to cheating — a betrayal that left Vanessa heartbroken and publicly humiliated. Reflecting on his relationship with the former This Morning agony aunt, he said: 'Never again will I do that. I wasted 17 years of my life.' Ben added: 'I don't believe in long engagements any more. You don't want to get married if there's a question mark over your engagement. 'If you don't want to commit to someone, that's fine. But don't pretend you do and hold on to someone for a long period of time. Let them free, let them fly.' After undergoing therapy in the wake of their split, the DJ – who refuses to mention Feltz by name 'ever again' – said the torrid experience gave him clarity. 'I knew what I was getting into going out with someone that talks about their sex life on TV. What did I expect? It was great media attention for her. I went into it with my eyes wide open thinking it wouldn't affect me, but it did.' Meanwhile, Vanessa confessed that she still has hope of finding love again, despite admitting that it's a 'dating desert out there'. While she had a secret short-lived romance last year, Vanessa has been single ever since, now insisting it is 'impossible and agonising' to find someone new. Reflecting on Jennifer Aniston 's new relationship with hunky hypnotist Jim Curtis, the broadcaster admitted it had been a 'beacon of hope' to her that she would also find love again. exclusively revealed last week that Jennifer, 56, spent the Fourth of July weekend with life coach Jim, 49, with snaps showing the couple packing on the PDA onboard a yacht. Vanessa discussed the twice divorced actress' newfound happiness in her latest column for the Daily Express, where she lamented how tricky it was for women over the age of 45 to find a partner. She wrote: 'It's so tough, impossible and agonising to find a decent bloke these days. The apps are hopeless. It's a dating desert out there. 'I loathe this lament but also can't deny that these days, finding a man to love and be loved by is a huge task once maturity has kicked in. 'If Jen has indeed landed her own Mr Darcy then she'll send a beacon of hope to the rest of us. Go girl!
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Vanessa Feltz, 63, appears to make subtle dig at ex Ben Ofoedu on live TV - days after his wedding to 'Vanessa 2.0'
Vanessa Feltz appeared to make a subtle dig at her ex Ben Ofoedu live on her Channel 5 show on Thursday. The TV personality, 63, previously dated the singer, 53, for 16 years, and they were set to get married, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023. Ben married aesthetics expert, Vanessa Brown - who he affectionately calls her 'Vanessa 2.0' - in a lavish £100,000 ceremony in Cumbria earlier this week. Just days after they tied the knot, Vanessa couldn't help but take a subtle swipe at Ben in a discussion about working with spouses. Speaking on her daytime talk show Vanessa, she chatted to Carrie and David Grant, former Strictly star James Jordan and her daughter, Saskia Joss. As the group gushed about their perfect working-marriage dynamic, Vanessa joked: 'And I'm sitting here single, single and all alone.' Among the 72 guests at Ben's wedding this week were famous faces including Boyzone 's Shane Lynch, who acted as best man, as well as his former bandmate Keith Duffy, S Club 7 's Bradley McIntosh and pop group 911's Lee Brennan. Guests toasted the newlyweds with filled-to-the-brim flutes of £33-a-bottle Jean-Noel Heritage Champagne. After a romantic first dance to Boyzone's Every Day I Love You – a nod to Ofoedu's long-standing music industry friendships – the crowd was treated to a £7,500 drone show that told the couple's love story, which began in April last year after a chance meeting backstage at a gala dinner celebrating business men and women in Carlisle, at which Ofeodu was performing. Vanessa Feltz met Ben in 2005, when she was at the height of her broadcasting fame and he was a little-known pop singer – best remembered for his stint in Phats & Small. The couple quickly became a fixture on the celebrity circuit and within months were engaged, with Feltz proudly introducing him to the public as her fiancé. She frequently featured him in her media appearances, from red-carpet events to reality-TV shows, reviving his public profile and transforming him into a household name. But behind the scenes, cracks were beginning to show. Their relationship came to a dramatic end in 2023 after he admitted to cheating — a betrayal that left Vanessa heartbroken and publicly humiliated. Reflecting on his relationship with the former This Morning agony aunt, he said: 'Never again will I do that. I wasted 17 years of my life.' Vanessa took her mind off the wedding on Wednesday and headed out dressed in a bright pink floral gown for a night at Gymkhana in London Ben added: 'I don't believe in long engagements any more. You don't want to get married if there's a question mark over your engagement. 'If you don't want to commit to someone, that's fine. But don't pretend you do and hold on to someone for a long period of time. Let them free, let them fly.' After undergoing therapy in the wake of their split, the DJ – who refuses to mention Feltz by name 'ever again' – said the torrid experience gave him clarity. 'I knew what I was getting into going out with someone that talks about their sex life on TV. What did I expect? It was great media attention for her. I went into it with my eyes wide open thinking it wouldn't affect me, but it did.' Meanwhile, Vanessa confessed that she still has hope of finding love again, despite admitting that it's a 'dating desert out there'. While she had a secret short-lived romance last year, Vanessa has been single ever since, now insisting it is 'impossible and agonising' to find someone new. Reflecting on Jennifer Aniston 's new relationship with hunky hypnotist Jim Curtis, the broadcaster admitted it had been a 'beacon of hope' to her that she would also find love again. exclusively revealed last week that Jennifer, 56, spent the Fourth of July weekend with life coach Jim, 49, with snaps showing the couple packing on the PDA onboard a yacht. Vanessa recently confessed that she still has hope of finding love again, despite admitting that it's a 'dating desert out there' (seen yesterday) Vanessa discussed the twice divorced actress' newfound happiness in her latest column for the Daily Express, where she lamented how tricky it was for women over the age of 45 to find a partner. She wrote: 'It's so tough, impossible and agonising to find a decent bloke these days. The apps are hopeless. It's a dating desert out there. 'I loathe this lament but also can't deny that these days, finding a man to love and be loved by is a huge task once maturity has kicked in. 'If Jen has indeed landed her own Mr Darcy then she'll send a beacon of hope to the rest of us. Go girl!
