Judy Finnigan, of Richard and Judy fame, has apologised for her comments about convicted rapist Ched Evans.
During her Loose Women debut, the presenter gave her opinion on Evans, a Sheffield United player who was convicted of raping a 19-year-old in a hotel room back in 2012.
He was sentenced to five years in prison but is set to be released. The question has now been raised over whether he should be allowed to return to professional football.
Speaking on the show, Judy said: “He’s served his time. The rape and I am not, please, by any means minimising any kind of rape – but the rape was not violent. He didn’t cause any bodily harm to the person.
“It was unpleasant, in a hotel room, I believe, and she was – she had far too much to drink. And you know, that is reprehensible, but he has been convicted and he has served his time.
“Now when he comes out, what are we supposed to do? Just actually refuse to let him do his job? Again, even though he has already been punished.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=639xnQEyuwo
Judy’s comments sparked controversy and she has, as a result, released a statement to apologise for any offence she may have caused.
She said: “I absolutely wasn’t suggesting that rape was anything other than a horrendous crime and, as I said on the programme, I was in no way attempting to minimise the terrible ordeal that any woman suffered as a result.
“The point I was attempting to raise as part of the debate was what should happen to someone after they have committed a crime and served their time? I apologise unreservedly for any offence that I may have caused as a result of the wording I used.”
