Newsreader explains on-air absence of poppy after online abuse

ITN London newsreader Charlene White has published a blog posting explaining her reasons for electing not to wear a poppy onscreen after receiving abuse on Twitter.White described the response as “a torrent of racist and sexist abuse,” and that the “backlash this year has been far bigger and more widespread than it has been in previous years.”“I support and am patron of a number of charities and I am uncomfortable with giving one of those charities more on-screen time than others,” White said.“I prefer to be neutral and impartial on-screen so that one of those charities doesn’t feel less favoured than another. Off-screen in my private life - it's different.”White said that she wears visible motifs for a variety of charities in her off screen time, but elects not to wear any of them whilst presenting for ITV.“The messages of “go back to where you came from” have been interesting to read, as have the “fat s--g” comments, and the repeated use of the phrase “black c--t”,” she added.“Mostly because it flies in the face of everything that millions of British men and women and those in the Commonwealth have fought for for generations, and continue to fight for: the right to choose, and the right of freedom of speech and expression.”In response to the abuse, White has received support via social media from many who support her stance.

ITN newsreader Charlene White

In response to online abuse I've received for not wearing a poppy on-screen here's an article explaining my reasons http://t.co/W0xRWmJEKP

— Charlene White (@CharleneWhite) November 12, 2013

I support British Legion. My dad was RAF. I don't wear poppy b/c I disagree with 1 charity getting more ON SCREEN time than others I support

— Charlene White (@CharleneWhite) November 11, 2013

1/3 Respect to @CharleneWhite for her principled stand on choosing not to wear the poppy on air.

— Lee Pinkerton (@_Runawayslave) November 14, 2013

@CharleneWhite I get your reasons and think the backlash is disgusting. Well done for sticking to your decision, I think its a fair one.

— Kate Jeanes (@KateJeanes) November 14, 2013

@CharleneWhite You do not deserve the malevolent abuse you have received. I am becoming extremely disheartened about the country we live in.

— Ashleigh Lima Diaz (@ashersrav) November 13, 2013

@CharleneWhite racist abuse is wrong 100% I still don't agree that you not wearing a poppy was right its more about troops not the charity

— Lee Orrell (@GPresents) November 13, 2013