The family of murdered Sophie Lancaster have spoken out after Katie Piper made controversial comments on Loose Women.
Earlier this month, Ofcom revealed it had received over 60 complaints in response to Katie's reaction to a picture of a themed nursery. During the segment on Loose Women, Kaye Adams, Katie Piper, Judi Love and Nadia Swahala discussed if parents should impose their lifestyle choices on their children.
The debate started after one mother turned her entire home into the real life Addams Family following the release of Netflix's new show Wednesday. After watching the clip, Katie could be heard gasping before saying: "I don't like that interior."
Read More: Loose Women viewers complain to Ofcom over Katie Piper's baby comments
She continued: "It's all black and dark. Babies don't like that. I'm just going to put it out there it's giving me satanic vibes, it's giving me bad energy, it's toxic, I don't like it and also it's a baby. The cots are tomb. You can't put your baby in a grave."
Following the Ofcom complaints, the Sophie Lancaster Foundation has spoken out on the Loose Women segment, reports The Mirror. In a Facebook post, Sophie's family wrote: "Thanks for your comments and for tagging us in your messages about ITV’s Loose Women.
"The discussion was about bringing up children in the Gothic style home it featured. One of the panel talked about ‘satanic vibes, bad energy’ and used the word ‘toxic’. One of the things we say at the start of every education session, is that ‘this is a safe space.’
"We encourage discussion about alternative subcultures and the issues and misunderstandings that cause such negativity and prejudice to be directed at people in these communities. By talking and sharing our story we have a real opportunity to change mindset or at least promote a different perspective."
The post went on: "Freedom of speech and personal choice mean that we all have different views and different tastes. As a charity that promotes celebrating difference we think there’s enough room for us all in this world. But people on TV have a real responsibility. Why use their platform to reiterate the tired old stereotypes and negativity that do such harm?
"By all means, say that something is not to your taste – but satanic and toxic? That is nothing but judgement. Surely we have a responsibility to do better than that?
"We know all too well that judgement and intolerance lead to bullying, prejudice and violence. Attitudes like these also encourage the narrative that alternative people are complicit when they suffer at someone else’s hands, for somehow bringing this negativity on themselves.
"It’s a New Year. Let’s start as we mean to go on. Let’s stop judging people and communities from the outside, when we know nothing about them. Any time any of the panel want to come to a festival or event with us and meet our brilliant, positive, creative and generous community, we’d be delighted to welcome them."
Sophie Lancaster was murdered in August 2007. She was just 20 years old.
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