Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha has threatened legal action against ITV and launched a public petition after being dropped from the panel show over her support for Palestine, according to the Press Association.
Legal Action and Public Petition Following ITV Exit
The dispute centers on Sawalha’s public advocacy for Palestine, which began in December 2023. According to statements shared by Sawalha on Instagram and reported by the Press Association, this advocacy triggered hostile media coverage and targeted calls for her removal from the ITV show. In response, the presenter initiated legal action against the network and launched a petition demanding a public apology and reinstatement. The petition has already surpassed 20,000 signatures.
“I want to say how sad I am that it’s got to this,” Sawalha said in her video statement, as cited by the Press Association. “Believe me, I have appealed to ITV’s hearts and minds, but to no avail.” She added that she had never directly discussed Palestine on the Loose Women panel, noting that she was hired specifically to be an opinionated woman on a discussion format.
Did you know? Nadia Sawalha is one of the original panellists of Loose Women, having debuted on the ITV show in 1999 alongside Kaye Adams, Jane Moore, and Karren Brady, before returning for a second stint in 2013 following a maternity break.
Accusations of Changing Goalposts and Workplace Targeting
Sawalha accused ITV of “forever changing the goalposts” regarding her tenure on the programme. According to the Press Association report, the broadcaster stated they could not guarantee she would not be removed again, as future decisions would depend on her public commentary outside the studio.
“It’s not just me that has been targeted like this from my beliefs,” she stated, according to the Press Association. “There are the teachers, doctors, nurses, charity and supermarket workers, and students who have also spoken according to their conscience and have suffered a similar fate as me.” ITV has been contacted for comment regarding the legal threat and petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nadia Sawalha removed from Loose Women?
According to reports from the Press Association, Sawalha stated she was dropped from the ITV panel show following an escalating campaign of complaints and smears linked to her public support for Palestine, which she began voicing in December 2023.
What legal steps has Nadia Sawalha taken against ITV?
Sawalha has threatened legal action against the broadcaster and launched an online petition calling for ITV to issue a public apology and reinstate her on the programme. The petition has garnered more than 20,000 signatures.
When did Nadia Sawalha first join Loose Women?
Sawalha joined the ITV daytime show as an original panellist in 1999, later taking a maternity break in 2002 before returning to the panel in 2013.
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