Loose Women: Ruth says the panel all 'love each other'
Loose Women panellist Ruth Langsford sparked controversy during an on-air squabble concerning the UK's riots, with viewers accusing her of showing her "true colours" in the heated exchange.
On the August 5 episode of the ITV programme, Ruth found herself at odds with co-star Myleene Klass whilst discussing the harrowing events that unfolded after a tragic incident involving three young girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport.
Gloria Hunniford initiated the debate by condemning the violence displayed by the rioters but acknowledged that amongst the chaos were "ordinary people like ourselves in the mix who really are frustrated about their voice not being heard" who felt their voices were being suppressed.
She remarked: "I don't believe every single person in that mix was a far-right [member] or a thug. I think people are frustrated by the migrant situation."
Initially, Ruth suggested the individuals hurling bricks and confronting the police were simply seeking confrontation, asserting they just wanted a "punch-up", reports the Mirror.
However, she then conceded: "But skim those people away, and there are people who want to protest peacefully and quietly but want to be heard. In the media it's being skewed to far-right thugs... but people are worried about saying they're concerned about immigration because you are labelled a racist."
Myleene Klass became the unexpected voice of dissent when she remarked: "My mother's from the Philippines. She came as a nurse. My father is from Austria, he became a Navy captain. A lot of people protesting benefit from migration. They drive cars from Germany, wear clothes from Bangladesh and Vietnam, they probably have a curry on a Friday night and have come into contact with a Pakistani doctor."
However, Ruth was visibly irate as she retorted: "Those might be people who've been here for many years. The issue now is that the country is full it's groaning under the weight of this."
The comments sparked outrage among viewers on social media, with one posting: "Tory Ruth showing her true colours too, her and Gloria should be ashamed of themselves."
Another viewer expressed frustration, saying: "The services in this country are groaning under the weight of Tory cuts. I wish people - rich people - would stop gaslighting us."
"Gloria and Ruth showing their true right wing agendas! Good for Mylene and Linda showing their kindness and understanding," chimed in another. Meanwhile, a different comment read: "Myleene is so middle class isn't she, mind you so is Ruth, they're so out of touch."
Yet, some viewers sided with Ruth, with one sharing: "I like Myleene but agree she got the wrong end of the stick I was getting annoyed at her attitude. Ruth and Gloria in my opinion understood how people are feeling."
