Channel 5 apologises for ‘disgusting and immoral’ Charlotte Crosby documentary that ‘dissected’ her appearance

Broadcaster has ‘taken on board Charlotte’s feedback’ and pulled the episode from streaming

Channel 5 has removed an episode of its controversial documentary series about plastic surgery, after it was condemned by one of its subjects, Charlotte Crosby.

In the episode of Celebrities: What Happened to Your Face, presenters analysed how Crosby’s appearance has changed over the years.

Crosby, who rose to fame as one of the stars of reality series Geordie Shore star, claimed that, despite repeated requests to Channel 5 by her agent that they not to go ahead with the broadcast, it was aired on Thursday 22 April.

The 30-year-old, who has been candid about the cosmetic procedures she has had over the years, posted a lengthy statement from her social media accounts about the “personal trauma and issues of self-confidence” she has experienced while in the spotlight, and how traumatic she found the documentary.

She received support from influencers including Zoe Sugg and Jacqueline Jossa, as fans online branded Channel 5 “disgusting” and “immoral”.

In a statement issued to The Independent, a representative for the broadcaster addressed the backlash.

It reads: “Channel 5 and the programme’s producers, Crackit Productions, take duty of care very seriously. 

“While we acknowledge that the programme was OFCOM compliant, we have taken on board Charlotte’s feedback and removed the episode from our streaming platform My5.”

They added: “We apologise for any upset caused.”

In her post on social media, Crosby said her agent had highlighted to showrunners “how detrimental this would be to my mental health”, but claimed that her agent was “ignored”.

“That hour could have been used to host a mental health documentary. That hour could have educated the public in the many issues & good causes which need publicity,” she wrote.

“That hour didn’t need to go after a 31-year-old woman for her appearance, choices, and ‘rubber lips.’”

Her post has since received nearly 55,000 likes with many fans commenting their support and praise of Crosby for speaking out.