Renowned musician Sir Elton John has joined actor Rupert Everett and campaigner Peter Tatchell in criticizing the media’s response to Phillip Schofield’s admission of an affair with a younger male colleague, which ultimately led to his departure from the ITV program This Morning. Sir Elton John stated that the reaction to Schofield’s affair was “totally homophobic,” asserting that if it had been a heterosexual relationship with a similar age gap, it would not have received the same negative media coverage.
In an interview with the Radio Times, the 76-year-old singer expressed his viewpoint, saying, “I feel that the Phillip Schofield thing has been totally homophobic. If it was a straight guy in a fling with a young woman, it wouldn’t even make the papers.”
Schofield, 61, confessed to being in an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a younger male colleague, which he had concealed for years. Following the revelation, ITV announced an external review, and the broadcaster’s executives were summoned to testify in parliament regarding allegations of a “toxic” work environment.
Apologizing through a statement on social media and subsequent interviews with The Sun and the BBC, Schofield acknowledged his actions and alleged that homophobia had played a role in the criticism he faced. He claimed that similar behavior is accepted when it involves heterosexual individuals but is not tolerated within the gay community. Both LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and actor Rupert Everett also condemned the reaction to the affair, with Tatchell noting its “whiff of homophobia,” and Everett deeming it “insane.”
Sir Elton John’s comments coincided with his denouncement of the mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States, describing it as “disgraceful.” He expressed concern over the increasing violence and discriminatory laws, such as those enacted in Florida, which prohibit school teachers from discussing sexual orientation and grant doctors the right to deny treatment to LGBTQ+ patients. Sir Elton emphasized that hate towards his community was spreading like a virus.
These remarks from Sir Elton come ahead of his highly anticipated performance at the Glastonbury festival, where he will be headlining the Pyramid Stage on June 25. The legendary artist continues to use his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and speak out against discrimination.
