UK columnist Julie Burchill sacked over ‘racist’ tweet about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s baby Lilibet
A popular UK columnist has been fired after making a “racist” remark on Twitter about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s baby, Lilibet Diana.
UK Telegraph columnist Julie Burchill says she’s been fired after a “racist” tweet about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new baby, Lilibet Diana.
The writer made a series of “offensive” comments following the naming of the Sussexes daughter, who was born on Friday in California.
Burchill said that she was sacked by The Telegraph after her ugly exchange about the royal baby’s name with prominent British lawyer Joanna Toch erupted on Twitter.
The ordeal unfolded when Burchill tweeted that Lilibet’s name was “a missed opportunity” for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
She said that they could have called her “Georgina Floydina” in reference to George Floyd, who was murdered by policeman Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis last year, sparking worldwide protests.
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In reference to Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, Toch replied to Burchill’s original tweet: “No Doria? Don’t black names matter?”
Burchill responded that she “was hoping for Doria Oprah, the racist rotters.”
Toch replied saying: “Doprah?”
Hundreds of people slammed the women online, before Toch apologised and deleted her profile.
The conversation between the women was branded “disgusting racism” and “despicable.”
The Brighton-based Telegraph writer, however, did not apologise for her tweets.
She said today: “I’ve been sacked by the Telegraph – it’s been a lovely five years, and I’ll always be grateful to them for ending my wilderness years.
“However, I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t often moaned to my husband recently about them always rejecting my edgy column ideas and giving me more pedestrian ones – which I’ve done splendidly anyway.”
“Onwards and upwards!”
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The Telegraph did not confirm that Burchill was sacked when asked by The Sun, as she works as a contributor, rather than a member of staff.
The newspaper made clear that they are not responsible for what is published on Twitter.
In response Toch said today: “I am very sorry for the comment and what I saw as a joke.
“I’ve fought during my professional life against racism which is abhorrent.
“I’m not a judge and I have children of colour and I apologise unreservedly.”
Her law firm Family Law Cafe later revealed they had suspended her “with immediate effect pending an internal review into her recent comments.”
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A statement from the directors said: “FLC considers her comments as offensive, unacceptable and highly contradictory to the inclusive manner in which FLC has always and will continue to work with members of all communities in managing the challenges of matrimonial and family disputes.”
This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been reproduced here with permission
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