Seann Walsh lashes out at criticism of his parenting and trolling over Strictly scandal…while Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe claim they’re stopping ‘misogynistic slap trap’ on popular podcast
Seann Walsh, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe were forced to respond to critics after the latest episode of the popular podcast Parenting Hell.
Last week, Rob and Josh spoke to the funny man, 37, about life as a parent after welcoming his daughter Wilder with girlfriend Grace Adderley in February.
During the chat, the trio spoke on webcam with Seann, who wore a robe and eye mask and read “F**K Off,” while Grace wandered in the background, ready to answer questions he couldn’t answer.
Many listeners responded to a promotional Instagram post about the episode, claiming that the chat promoted: “Misogynistic slap trap” and “executed incompetence,” pointing out that the episode was meant to be funny.
In addition to the parenting criticism, one follower recalled the 2018 scandal in which he was caught kissing his Strictly co-star Katya Jones despite being in a relationship with Rebecca Humphries, with Seann hitting back at the troll.
Hit back: Seann Walsh, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe were forced to respond to critics after the latest episode of the hit Parenting Hell podcast
Happy family: Last week Rob and Josh spoke to the funny man, 37, about life as a parent after welcoming his daughter Wilder with girlfriend Grace Adderley in February
Sweet: Seann and Grace welcomed Wilder back in February, after which he took to Instagram to reveal he passed out during childbirth – something he recalled in chat
Shock: Seann was shocked by the comments on the piece
Friends: Both Rob and Josh defended Seann and the podcast
Seann and Grace welcomed Wilder back in February, after which he took to Instagram to reveal that he passed out during labor – something he recalled in chat.
As well as describing the birth, the star explained that he didn’t wake up once with his daughter, saying, “(I said) she sleeps through the night, we’re really lucky…then Grace heard me.. .she said she wakes up five times a night’.
While the discussions were benign, followers were outraged by the content, leaving a slew of angry comments, to which Seann hit back: “Well, watching this was a huge mistake. yikes, was just laughing guys…
“You don’t have to be so personal. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it. It was fun to do. Damn.’
Following the statement, Rob wrote, “I’d like to remind everyone that this is a comedy podcast,” while Josh added, “I’d like to remind everyone that this isn’t twitter, it’s usually a lot of fun here.”
Complementing his friends’ comments, Josh replied, “And I was about to defend you,” to which Seann shared a series of laughing emojis.
Talk then turned to Strictly — a scandal that has plagued Seann’s career — after he was filmed kissing Katya at the dance competition, leading to a very public split with Rebecca, who has since written a book about toxic romance.
The follower recalled the scandal and wrote, “Caught cheating on his missus in public so I’d quit the good partner thing to be honest lad,” which led to Seann replying, “you think about it more than me. Enjoy your w**k’.
Jokey: The pair laughed amidst the hatred
Speaking out: Following the statement, Rob wrote, “I’d like to remind everyone that this is a comedy podcast,” while Josh added, “I just want to remind everyone that this isn’t twitter, it’s usually very nice here”
An irate devotee wrote, “What a load of misogynistic banter packaged as comedy. This is my favorite pod. Some episodes I’ve listened to more than once, but…this episode? No! (Rob and Josh make me cry…
‘Worship them before anyone starts.. Let people give feedback)
A long-winded bizarre response berated the trio, writing, “Everyone here knows this is a comedy podcast, that’s why we’re listening and subscribing. I came to laugh and I certainly got it a few times, as expected…
“Before berating your audience, can you reasonably step back and critically assess why the theme of “performed incompetence” has been picked up? One of the first words mentioned is “incompetent”…
“You certainly covered or mentioned this theme (although you didn’t explicitly call it ‘performed incompetence’) in previous episodes…
“Listeners emphasize this aspect, because making fun of this particular behavior is not what many aspire to…
“I’m sure many of us have seen partners play the prankster to evade responsibility, be it parenting or other duties (usually domestic or menial). Could this be why the episode has elicited such a strong response?…
“I think any guest who presented themselves in this way would have received a similar reaction. Calling listeners unfriendly or hateful is, for the most part, incorrect…
Oh dear… The talk then turned to Strictly – a scandal that has plagued Seann’s career – after he was filmed kissing Katya during the dance competition, leading to a very public split with Rebecca (Katya and Seann pictured in 2018)
Pain: Rebecca has since written a book about toxic romance (the couple in 2015)
Shock: A commenter wrote about his Strictly drama
‘In this pod you both have strong opinions and you regularly give each other feedback. Why is this different?…
“Now to shout down your audience and bring out your blue ticks in the comments, to make sure everyone is quelled with feedback, is a bit much. Please remember that you have power, responsibility and a platform to discuss really important issues. Many people look to you to see what it’s like to be a father.
“Hopefully your PR team can take this into consideration and help provide a thoughtful and respectful response.”
Another critic wrote, ‘Listening to Seann Walsh on @parenting_hell podcast – is complete male incompetence and ignorance when it comes to parenting still considered ‘funny’? Soooo many eye rolls’.
In defense of the episode, one commenter wrote, “Great ep, Seann is a scatty dude, he just is, he spoke so fondly of the strength and admiration he had for Grace during the difficult delivery, he was in awe and admiration for the midwife and the how he loves watching G&W’s connection unfold together ��✌️xx’
Hit: Rob and Josh have had tremendous success with the podcast and recently completed an arena tour