Denise Welch hit out at social media inciting hatred and ‘bringing out the worst in people’ as the Loose Women panelist urged people to be able to be themselves
Denise Welch has made her feelings on social media very clear in a blunt message at the Attitude awards in London on Friday. The Loose Women panellist, 68, is known for her no-nonsense approach and she certainly didn’t hold back as she hit out at the hatred formed online.
While on stage at the event attended by The Mirror, the former Coronation Street star spoke about the hope for conversations to be continued to have openly. But she admitted social media can often bring out the worst in people.
“Social media just incites hatred in everybody, you know. Even politically, I liked a dress that a Jewish friend of mine was wearing, and then I got hit upon by people saying I didn’t care about the genocide, and it’s just we don’t have discussions anymore.”
She added that the awards are the perfect example of showcasing good. “I just think that some of the people who do form this hatred and division, if they could be in this room, and if they could see some of the people who’ve been awarded.
“I’m so privileged to sit on the table with two of the award winners up there, to see these films, which, well done, it’s you, they’re the best films I’ve ever seen made, I think, at an award zone, and I just don’t know what they’re hating on.
“They don’t know what they’re protesting against, they’re just doing it to sort of fit in, and because social media, which is what most people are looking at every day… it’s just, we’re filled with it all, and as I say, I just will remain an ally and do the best that I can.”
And she added that seeing people receive hate for being themselves fills her heart with sadness. “Nothing upsets me more than the thought of a child being made to feel small for who they are,” she said.
It comes after the awards show’s host and new Strictly presenter Emma Willis became emotional as she spoke of her hope for her kids. Sharing her fears for her three children, Isabelle, 17, Ace, 14, and 10-year-old Trixie, that she shares with Busted’s Matt Willis, she confessed she is desperate for the trio to be able to be “free to be themselves” as she urged the world to grow together.
“I’ve got three kids and I want to live in a world where they are free to be themselves, where they feel safe to express themselves in whatever way they choose. And that they are free to love whoever they choose without fear,” she said through tears.
She emotionally went on: “This is, I think, the most important awards ceremony of the year. We are shining a light on the real people who make a real difference.”
And she called herself an ally to the LGBTQ+ community before urging those at the event to call on her whenever she is needed. “All you have to do is shine a glitter ball into the sky and I will come running any time of the day,” she proudly said.
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