Phillip Schofield claims reaction to fling with ‘much younger’ colleague is ‘homophobic’
Phillip Schofield claimed that the reaction to his age-gap romance was “homophobic” – due to the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio’s age-gap relationships are accepted.
The former This Morning presenter, 61, sat down with Amol Rajan to discuss the revelation that he had had an extramarital affair with a ‘much younger’ colleague on the ITV magazine show and his subsequent departure.
During the chat, he claimed homophobia played a role in the negative reaction to the relationship – after being accused of grooming his former flame.
The allegations of homophobia divided social media users, some of whom supported his theory, while others insisted he was “narcissistic” for the allegations.
Phillip insisted that if the relationship had been heterosexual there would be much more acceptance and even pointed out Titanic star Leonardo, who is famous for his penchant for dating significantly younger women.
Shocker: Phillip Schofield claimed the reaction to his age-gap romance was ‘homophobic’ – due to the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio’s age-gap relationships are accepted
Ahem! Phillip insisted that if the relationship had been heterosexual there would be much more acceptance and even pointed out Titanic star Leonardo, who is famous for his penchant for dating significantly younger women.
He said, ‘Attraction is attraction. In the gay world it is no different than in the heterosexual world or in the lesbian world.’
The presenter went on to tell The Sun: ‘There shouldn’t be any difference, this is where homophobia comes into play. We first met when he was 15…
“I went to drama school (he went to it), so yes, there is a difference, it’s accepted by Leonardo DiCaprio, but it’s not accepted when it’s in the gay world.”
Leonardo’s romance with a host of younger women has been questioned – and often criticized – on a number of occasions, but this was something Phillip seemed to have missed or at least failed to address.
Earlier this year, 48-year-old Leonardo was pictured hugging 19-year-old model Eden Polani – after which he received a furious backlash, with critics lining up to claim his rumored love interest is somehow being exploited.
Many viewers of the interview echoed their sentiment about homophobia, writing on the site: “Yes, I think homophobia has played a part in the response to Schofield’s affair, among all the other complex power relations…
“This Phillip Schofield thing has something of a homophobia about it. That said, despite his career lying and ruining, I don’t fear for his financial future as he appears to be…
‘Really depressing to hear the interview with Phillip Schofield. I’m not a fan of his, and I have no doubt he should have handled things differently…
“But I also have no doubts about the homophobia that has fueled this story… Since Phillip Schofield and his ex-boyfriend Matthew were both adults when a romantic relationship began…
‘You have to ask yourself if all this hatred in the media is based on homophobia. Like presenters who only pay lip service to LGBTQ rights, they thought that was the green light to hate.’
Some fans took issue with claims that homophobia played a part in the backlash, with a large number of outraged Twitter users writing: “Phillip Schofield says his career is over after fling…
Shockingly, the presenter went on to tell The Sun: ‘There shouldn’t be any difference, this is where homophobia comes in. We first met when he was 15’
“Blaming homophobia won’t do you any good, buddy!!! It’s because you’re a lying arrogant CHEAT!!!… Phillip Schofield says his career is over after an affair. Schofield’ ‘If it were man-woman, it wouldn’t be such a scandal’
Phillip also mentioned Caroline Flack’s name after the presenter committed suicide in February 2020 following her legal woes over an argument with her boyfriend Lewis Burton.
His discussion of the deceased star was criticized by some, with the user writing, “I’m the real victim!” A very narcissistic move…
Meanwhile, the actual victim is being bullied into silence after trying to speak out 3 years ago. Let the name of Caroline Flack out of your mouth, Phillip! #phillipschofield #schofield #itvmafia #itv’.
Phillip failed to apologize to his wife Stephanie Lowe for his affair with a This Morning colleague in a bombshell BBC interview.
After publicly admitting to having an affair in an explosive statement, the presenter, 61, broke his silence to insist his ‘biggest apology’ for the fallout was to his former lover, adding that he was ‘sorry to everyone to whom he lied’.
Breaking his silence: Schofield described himself as a ‘broken’ man and denied allegations that he groomed the young man who landed a job at This Morning after meeting the former host
In the interview, released Friday morning, Phillip admitted that his relationship with Stephanie “isn’t great right now,” but that they have “a great marriage.”
The former ITV star defiantly showed off his wedding ring as he hinted they could prepare their relationship in the future, after The Daily Mail revealed that Stephanie is both furious and devastated by his admission of having an affair.
Phillip told BBC’s Amol Rajan: ‘I had a great marriage, have a great marriage [waves his wedding ring]although it’s not brilliant at the moment, with an incredibly supportive wife and two wonderful kids.
Host Amol noted that they are currently “separated,” with Phillip adding, “We’re divorced, but we’re very much together.”
When asked what he would like to say to Stephanie, Phillip said, “Oh my God, can you imagine how difficult that conversation was?” before pausing and saying, “Let’s just say it was an incredibly difficult conversation.”
“The hardest conversation I’ve ever had with her, and she’s extremely disappointed because I lied to her too. But she wished me well today, so we’ll see.’
Shocking: After publicly admitting to having an affair, the presenter, 61, broke his silence to insist his ‘biggest apology’ about the fallout was on his former lover
When asked what he would say to his two daughters, Phillip said, “My daughters were, I called them and said, ‘I have something to tell you,'” and they came out to see me, and they were incredible.
“I looked at them and thought ‘well you got that right, and they don’t think you’re a bully, and they don’t think you’re toxic, and they know you messed up, royal.’
Phillip told Amol that his “biggest apology” for the fallout from the affair was to his former lover.
He said, “It has brought the greatest misery to his totally innocent life, his totally innocent family, his totally innocent friends. It has caused them the greatest sorrow.’
He added: “I am very sorry and I apologize to him because I should have known better. I should have acted as I have always acted. I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry. And I will be forever sorry. I’m dying sorry. I am so deeply hurt.’
Disturbing: Phillip said, “She’s extremely disappointed because I lied to her too,” while hinting that he still wants to mend their marital relationship