In a moment that has quickly ignited controversy across British media, veteran broadcaster Eamonn Holmes left pop star Kerry Katona speechless after making a racially insensitive comment about her appearance during a live segment on GB News. Holmes, known for his decades-long career in television, stunned viewers and guests alike by referring to Katona’s post-surgery look as ‘Oriental’—a term officially banned by the UK Home Office in 2021 for being outdated and offensive.

The incident unfolded on Thursday morning as Kerry Katona, 44, former member of the pop group Atomic Kitten, appeared on GB News to discuss her experience with plastic surgery. Katona, who has been candid about her cosmetic procedures, was on the show to share the results of a facelift she underwent a year ago. The segment, intended to be a light-hearted discussion about beauty standards and personal choices, took an unexpected turn when Holmes made his controversial remark.

The Moment That Shocked Viewers

As the conversation turned to Katona’s eyes, Holmes asked, “Are you happy with the eyes?” Katona responded, explaining, “I had them done over a year ago now. You know all it was—I could… it was making my eyes feel a bit heavy so I had an uplift. But what I don’t like is when…” Before she could finish, Holmes abruptly interjected, “And you don’t look Oriental or anything do you?” The comment left Katona visibly stunned and struggling to process what had just been said.

The awkward silence that followed was palpable. Holmes, perhaps sensing the discomfort, attempted to clarify his statement but only deepened the controversy. “Apparently you’re not allowed to describe someone as looking oriental or… I don’t know how I would end up describing Kerry Katona if her eyes change shape,” he said, expressing clear frustration at having to apologize.

Eamonn Holmes left Kerry Katona speechless as he made an outrageous racial slur, before issuing a very bitter apology live on GB News on Thursday

A Bitter Apology and Further Fallout

Show bosses quickly intervened, instructing Holmes to issue an on-air apology. However, the apology came across as reluctant and bitter. “I don’t know how I’m going to say does she look like someone from some other country in the eastern of the world… The world is ridiculous. How you have to apologize for people… if she painted herself or… I don’t know I can’t get into this. But anyway,” Holmes said, his tone suggesting annoyance with the situation rather than genuine remorse.

Co-host Ellie Costello tried to steer the conversation back to safer ground, interjecting, “But Kerry looks beautiful.” Holmes added, “Kerry looks well. I’m sorry if you don’t look well or we have offended you in any way or… oh I don’t know.” The segment ended with viewers and guests alike left in a state of disbelief.

The History and Impact of the ‘Oriental’ Slur

The term ‘Oriental’ was officially removed from acceptable usage in UK government and police reports in 2021, following guidance from the Home Office. The word, long considered offensive and reductive, was excluded from the list of categories for describing people from China and Southeast Asia. A Home Office spokesperson clarified, “This term is offensive.” Labour’s Sarah Owen, the first female MP of Chinese descent and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hate Crime, called the term “incredibly outdated.”

Holmes’s use of the term on live television immediately drew criticism from viewers and advocacy groups. Social media erupted with calls for accountability, with many demanding a more sincere apology and greater sensitivity from broadcasters. The incident has reignited debates about racial language in British media and the need for ongoing education and awareness.

The former Atomic Kitten star, 44, appeared on the morning talk show for a plastic surgery debate

Kerry Katona’s Journey With Cosmetic Surgery

While the controversy dominated headlines, Katona’s original reason for appearing on the show was to discuss her personal journey with cosmetic surgery. Earlier this year, she revealed that she had canceled plans for a lower facelift after her children expressed concerns. Katona, a mother of five—Molly, 23, Lilly, 23, Heidi, 18, Max, 17, and DJ, 10—said her daughters’ pleas “massively impacted” her decision.

“My eldest three girls really didn’t want me to do it, they were begging me not to and said ‘Mum, please don’t,’” Katona told The Mirror in a recent interview. “I do go off of what my kids think and I knew they didn’t want me to so that massively impacted my decision. They don’t think I need it yet and they know how tough the recovery will be, so they really didn’t want me to do it.”

Katona also reflected on the emotional toll of recovering from surgery, recalling her recent corrective nose operation as “the most horrendous thing.” She explained, “It’s tough emotionally while recovering because you look so different and it’s hard to get your head around. I had to get it done medically and it wasn’t just a vanity choice, but it was really hard. I did get a bit scared, I don’t think I’m ready to do something else now.”

Despite her reservations, Katona insisted that at age 44 she is “definitely entitled” to make changes if she wishes, declaring she has “no shame” about her choices. “I don’t have the time for a lengthy recovery at the moment as everything is so busy,” she added.

Media Reaction and Broader Implications

The fallout from Holmes’s comment has been swift. Advocacy groups have called for GB News to review its policies and provide additional training for presenters on racial sensitivity. Viewers have flooded social media with criticism, arguing that high-profile broadcasters must set an example and avoid perpetuating outdated stereotypes.

Kerry revealed earlier this year that she cancelled her lower facelift after her children begged her not to go through with it

GB News has yet to issue an official statement beyond Holmes’s on-air apology, but sources within the network suggest internal discussions are underway regarding presenter conduct and editorial standards. The incident has also sparked renewed calls for the media industry to adopt stricter guidelines on language and representation.

A Wake-Up Call for British Television

Eamonn Holmes’s controversial remark and subsequent bitter apology have highlighted the ongoing challenges facing British television in navigating issues of race, representation, and sensitivity. While Kerry Katona’s story was meant to shed light on personal choices and family dynamics, the segment became a flashpoint for a broader debate about language and respect in public discourse.

As the industry grapples with the fallout, one thing is clear: viewers expect accountability, and the days of casual racial language on air are numbered. For Holmes, Katona, and GB News, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of words—and the importance of getting them right.