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Fiona Bruce has said she is ‘deeply sorry’ after being accused of trivialising domestic violence during a discussion about Stanley Johnson on Question Time.
The presenter, 58, faced an onslaught on social media after she intervened when the father of former prime minister Boris Johnson was described as a ‘wife-beater’ in Thursday’s episode of the BBC programme.
Journalist and panel member Yasmin Alibhai-Brown had said the 82-year-old’s alleged history of violence was ‘on the record’.
Bruce then interrupted and told Ms Alibhai-Brown and the audience: ‘I’m not disputing what you’re saying, but just so everyone knows what this is referring to, Stanley Johnson’s wife spoke to a journalist, Tom Bower, and she said that Stanley Johnson had broken her nose and that she’d ended up in hospital as a result.
‘Stanley Johnson has not commented publicly on that. Friends of his have said it did happen but it was a one-off.’
While the BBC defended Bruce following the controversy, several public figures, including the chief executive of the charity Women’s Aid, accused Ms Bruce of downplaying the gravity of domestic violence.
Fiona Bruce had described Stanley Johnson’s domestic abuse a ‘one off’ (Picture: Rex)
Bruce is said to be ‘deeply upset’ and ‘deeply sorry’ for triggering survivors of domestic abuse (Picture: BBC)
A statement issued later on Friday by domestic abuse charity Refuge, for which Bruce is a long-standing ambassador, said she was ‘deeply upset that this has been triggering for survivors’.
The charity said: ‘We have spoken to Fiona today, and she is appalled that any of her words have been understood as her minimising domestic violence. We know she is deeply upset that this has been triggering for survivors.’
Domestic abuse helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you cannot talk, dial 55 and the operator will respond.
For emotional support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, for practical and emotional support, please contact Women’s Aid Live Chat 10am – 6pm seven days a week.
You can also reach the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800 270 9070 or text NCDV to 60777.
For free and confidential advice and support for women in London affected by abuse, you can call Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email [email protected].
Male victims of domestic abuse can call 01823 334244 to speak to ManKind, an initiative available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
Alternatively, the Men’s Advice Line can be reached at 0808 8010327, or emailed at [email protected].
They added: ‘Fiona is deeply sorry that last night’s programme has distressed survivors of domestic abuse. Refuge stands by her and all survivors today.
‘We continue to be appreciative of all the work Fiona does on behalf of Refuge and recognise the immense contribution she has made to our work to end domestic abuse and challenge violence against women and girls.’
Earlier today, the BBC insisted that Bruce was ‘not expressing any personal opinion about the situation’.
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A spokesperson for the corporation said in a statement: ‘Domestic abuse is abhorrent, and we would never wish to suggest otherwise.
‘When serious allegations are made on air against people or organisations, it is the job of BBC presenters to ensure that the context of those allegations – and any right of reply from the person or organisation – is given to the audience, and this is what Fiona Bruce was doing last night.
‘She was not expressing any personal opinion about the situation.’
Question Time airs Thursdays at 10.40pm on BBC One.
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The presenter faced fierce criticism after she intervened during Thursday’s episode of the BBC show.