X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson has claimed ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall refused to launch an investigation into the channel’s treatment of its reality shows’ contestants.
Rebecca, 36, made a series of bombshell allegations on Twitter about her experience and the actions of those in power.
The singer, who came second on X Factor in 2010 behind Matt Cardle, has been an outspoken voice against ITV and the care it shows to people involved on its reality shows.
Rebecca claims to have written to channel bosses in 2021, including chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall, asking for a probe into “codes of conduct, post-show aftercare and freedom of choice of management” of its reality programmes.
However, this request was reportedly denied when Chief Operating Officer Sarah Clarke replied to her.
According to Rebecca, Clarke apologised about any personal bad experiences she might have experienced but declined to investigate the issue further, assuring her that there is a commitment to procedures in place already and insisting that they follow a Duty of Care Charter.
Taking to Twitter, the singer shared screenshots of emails to ITV and OFCOM asking for investigations into the treatment of reality stars during and after the shows.
She wrote: "I’m bound by multiple NDA’s but I cannot continue to not live in my full truth, being silent is worse I’ve lived through hell for years.
"I was refused by ITV and OFCOM, no investigation was taken place and my concerns appeared to be fobbed off.
"I am open to communication should they now wish to follow up with my private complaint now that I have made my complaint public."
Rebecca has now approached Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, to launch an inquiry.
Revealing all on social media, she wrote: "Please ask for an independent inquiry, interview myself and ALL previous staff, and witnesses 2004- present what you’ll uncover is beyond terrifying!
"11th March 2021 I emailed the senior leadership team of ITV including Carolyn McCall asking for an investigation of reality shows including codes of conducts, post show aftercare and freedom of choice of management.
"On the 24th March 2021, ITV COO Sarah Clarke came back apologising about any personal bad experiences but declining to investigate any further - assuring that there is commitment to have these procedures in place already and insisting that they follow a Duty of Care Charter.
"Interestingly they indicated that all parties including legal teams were independent of each other so that constituted providing independent legal advice."
TV host and comedian Iain Lee, 49, who appeared on I'm A Celebrity in 2017, responded to Rebecca's comments, writing: "My psych test before going in to the jungle was a call with a psychiatrist. Maybe two. They then contacted my psychiatrist. The care after was a phone call asking was I ok and did I want to meet the psych for a chat. The impact of being on reality TV is huge."
Rebecca's accusations come after ITV boss Magnus Brooke, Group Director of Strategy, Policy and Regulation at the channel, was grilled by MPs on claims of 'bullying' at This Morning following allegations of a 'toxic and unhappy' atmosphere at the daytime show.
The flagship show has been embroiled in controversy following Phillip Schofield's admission of an affair with a younger colleague.
Questions had been raised about a cover up at ITV studios with former staff members coming forward with claims of a toxic atmosphere and behind the scenes bullying.
Group Director of Strategy, Policy and Regulation at ITV faced a barrage of questions from MPs about the allegations.
MP John Nicolson began the hearing by asking Brooke whether he was "OK" in a direct reference to a speech Holly Willoughby gave on Monday.
Brooke soberly replied that he was “fine” before the questioning commenced.
A spokesperson for Ofcom told the Mirror: “We exchanged correspondence and met virtually with Ms Ferguson in 2021. We listened carefully to the extent of her concerns about the treatment of contestants during her time on The X Factor in 2010.
“During these exchanges, we explained our powers and how our broadcasting rules apply in detail. We confirmed that new rules introduced to protect participants in programmes were not applicable to programmes broadcast before 5 April 2021. We also clarified that our statutory remit, as set by Parliament, means that our fairness rules do not extend to contractual matters or conditions imposed by broadcasters on participants, and only to content as broadcast.
“We suggested to Ms Ferguson possible routes to escalate her complaints to ITV and the appropriate authorities.”
Freemantle, the production company behind X Factor, also provided a statement in response to Rebecca's comments, telling the Mirror: "Duty of care is of the utmost importance to us, and we always take contributor welfare extremely seriously.
"During the 2010 series of The X Factor, there were robust measures in place to ensure everyone involved in the making of the programme was supported throughout their experience and beyond including a dedicated welfare team made up of psychologists, doctors, welfare producers and independent legal and management advisors with no time limit on aftercare once the show had aired.
"These measures were under constant review, and we have always been proactive in adapting and updating them for future series to reflect the requirements of the show."
ITV has also been contacted for comment.
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