Veteran TV host Judy Finnigan was forced to make an embarassed apology yesterday after remarks she made on air caused huge online controversy.
After more than five years away from the spotlight, Judy began her first day as a panelist on Loose Women on Monday - and stepped immediately into hot water.
The group were discussing whether footballer Ched Evans should be allowed to return to Sheffield United this year, after serving two years in prison for raping a 19-year-old girl at a hotel in England.
Former This Morning presenter Judy supported Ched's return to his club, saying that the victim was "drunk" and that the rape was "unpleasant" but "not violent."
Speaking on air, Judy said, "He’s served his time. The rape – and I am not, please, by any means minimising any kind of rape – but the rape was not violent. He didn’t cause any bodily harm to the person... It was unpleasant, in a hotel room, I believe, and she was – she had far too much to drink. And you know, that is reprehensible, but he has been convicted and he has served his time."
Viewers took to Twitter to express their upset at Judy's comments, claiming she was "justifying rape." Another commenter said, "Rape is rape whether a girl is drunk or sober, if you didn't get her consent then it's rape."
The star later "apologised unreservedly" for any offence her remarks caused.
