MP condemns This Morning boss’s ‘aubergine’ reply to ‘poisonous tradition’ query as ‘outrageously dismissive’

An MP has referred to as This Morning editor Martin Frizell’s reply to a Sky News interview over whether or not there’s a “toxic” work atmosphere on the present as “outrageously dismissive and flippant”.

When requested on Monday about allegations of a “toxic” atmosphere at This Morning, Mr Frizell replied: “I’ll tell you what’s toxic, and I’ve always found it toxic – aubergine. Do you like aubergine?”

SNP MP John Nicolson referred to as the remarks “outrageously dismissive and flippant on camera about an immensely serious issue”, at a Culture, Media and Sport Committee listening to to speak concerning the draft Media Bill.

Mr Nicolson questioned Magnus Brooke, group director of technique, coverage and regulation at ITV, concerning the present on the listening to.

Referring to the aubergine remarks, Mr Brooke accepted it was “extremely ill-judged to say what he did”.

In the committee listening to, Mr Nicolson stated: “I spent some time at the weekend talking to whistleblowers from ITV, including people who work and have worked at This Morning. It seems like a very unhappy place.

“Are you happy with the responsibility of care that the editorial workforce and senior managers present to workers, particularly younger workers working there and at ITV extra usually?”

Read extra:
Grilling of ITV bosses in parliament ‘not a witch hunt’ against Schofield
This Morning editor says ‘scores are being settled’ as he asks for ‘respite’
Holly Willoughby says she feels ‘let down’ as she returns to This Morning

Mr Brooke stated: “I believe there’s a very refined and important system of safeguarding and responsibility of care at ITV.”

Addressing the bullying allegations made by workers, Mr Brooke stated: “We take our responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and duty of care very seriously.

“Bullying is completely in breach of our code of conduct, it’s totally clearly set out.”

He added: “Bullying is unacceptable. If we discover bullying it is inconsistent with our coverage and we count on individuals to report it and we’d count on it to be handled appropriately and will probably be.”

Appearing to refer to Willoughby’s statement on Monday, Mr Nicolson also asked Mr Brooke if he was “OK” to which the ITV boss replied that he was “tremendous”. Mr Nicolson added: “It’s the query du jour at This Morning.”

In her first on-screen look since co-presenter Phillip Schofield’s departure, Willoughby told viewers: “Firstly, are you OK? I hope so. It feels very unusual certainly sitting right here with out Phil.”

Ex-This Morning host Eamonn Holmes and former resident doctor Dr Ranj Singh have both made allegations of a “poisonous” culture behind the scenes, with the latter saying he raised concerns about “bullying and discrimination” two years in the past when he labored there.

Earlier within the session, committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage stated MPs wouldn’t be addressing the problems round Schofield, 61, leaving the present through the session as ITV chief government Dame Carolyn McCall is anticipated to look earlier than MPs subsequent week concerning the scandal.

Schofield admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a youthful male colleague and stepped down from his roles with ITV final month.