ITV CEO stated that Phillip Scofield's affair was 'deeply inappropriate', but the network had no evidence
ITV executives have denied turning a blind eye to rumours surrounding former presenter Phillip Schofield's relationship with a younger colleague, according to testimony given to the House of Commons culture, media, and sport committee.
Schofield left This Morning and the network last month after
confessing to lying about his affair with the man.
ITV CEO Dame
Carolyn McCall stated that the affair was "deeply inappropriate," but the
network had no evidence until recently. She also expressed concern for
Schofield's well-being during the hearing.
Dame Carolyn and two
other executives were called to answer questions about ITV's approach to
safeguarding and complaint handling.
She mentioned that rumours about the relationship began
circulating after Schofield publicly came out as gay on the show in February
2020, leading to heightened speculation on social media. Despite multiple
inquiries, Schofield repeatedly denied the alleged relationship.
The
executives asserted that they were not aware of tangible evidence or formal
complaints related to the rumors. Dame Carolyn revealed that ITV is funding
counseling for Schofield, who admitted feeling suicidal due to the
controversy.
Dame Carolyn confirmed there was no gag order or
non-disclosure agreement preventing the unidentified man from speaking
out.
Schofield acknowledged that people might perceive an abuse
of power but stated that it did not feel that way at the time. In response
to accusations of a toxic culture at This Morning, the executives stated
they were deeply disappointed and did not recognise such claims.
