Eamonn Holmes Apologizes After Using Offensive Term on Air

Eamonn Holmes issued an apology during a live broadcast on GB News after using an offensive term while speaking with pop star Kerry Katona. The incident occurred during a discussion about plastic surgery, leaving Katona visibly taken aback when Holmes referred to her eyes as “Oriental.” This term has been deemed outdated and offensive, having been prohibited by the Home Office in 2021.

During the segment, Katona, who is 44 years old, shared her experiences with cosmetic procedures. She explained that she had undergone a facelift more than a year ago to address heaviness around her eyes. As she elaborated on her surgery, Holmes questioned her satisfaction with the results.

“Are you happy with the eyes?” he asked. His co-host, Ellie Costello, added, “They look good, they look lovely.” Katona responded positively, stating, “I had them done over a year ago now. You know it was making my eyes feel a bit heavy, so I had an uplift.” However, as she tried to continue her explanation, Holmes interjected with the controversial comment.

“And you don’t look Oriental or anything, do you?” he said, which prompted a moment of surprise from Katona. She clarified, “I just wanted the skin removed. I didn’t want to change my face; I just wanted the skin that was hanging over my eyes.” Costello then praised Katona for her openness about the procedure.

Following the segment, Holmes found it necessary to address the live audience. He acknowledged the inappropriateness of his choice of words, stating, “Apparently, you’re not allowed to describe someone as looking oriental or… I don’t know how I would then describe Kerry Katona if her eyes change shape.”

Holmes went on to express his frustration with societal expectations regarding language, reflecting, “The world is ridiculous. How you have to apologise for people… if she painted herself or… I don’t know, I can’t get into this.” He added, “But anyway. Kerry looks beautiful,” to which Costello affirmed, “Kerry looks well.”

The incident highlights ongoing discussions about language sensitivity and the importance of using respectful terminology. GB News, which broadcasts daily from 06:00, continues to face scrutiny over its content and the statements made by its hosts. Holmes’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges public figures face in navigating language that is appropriate and inclusive.