Telegraph columnist Julie Burchill ‘SACKED’ after ‘racist’ tweet over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new baby Lilibet
TELEGRAPH columnist Julie Burchill says she's been SACKED after her "racist" tweet about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's new baby Lilibet.
The writer made a series of "offensive" comments following the naming of the Sussexes' daughter - who was born on Friday in Los Angeles.
🔵 Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
Burchill said this evening that she was sacked by The Telegraph, adding that she had a "lovely five years" but felt disgruntled after they rejected many of her "edgy column ideas."
This comes after a lawyer was suspended over a "racist" tweet about baby Lilibet Diana in conversation with the columnist.
Joanna Toch, 59, was blasted for her comments following the royal birth, which was announced by Meghan and Harry on Sunday night.
The ordeal erupted when journalist Julie Burchill tweeted that Lilibet’s name was "a missed opportunity" for the new parents.
She said that they could have called her "Georgina Floydina" - in reference to George Floyd, who was murdered by policeman Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, sparking worldwide protests.
In reference to Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, lawyer Toch replied: "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.
'DESPICABLE'
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!”
The Telegraph did not confirm that Burchill was sacked when asked by the Sun Online - 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, lawyer Joanna 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."
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."
Lilibet ";Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on Friday in Los Angeles - and was named in tribute of both Her Majesty and Princess Diana.
After returning home from the hospital, the Sussexes introduced Harry's grandmother to her namesake via a video call, it's been said.
Meghan and Harry announced to the world on Sunday night that they daughter had arrived two days earlier, writing on their website Archewell.
A source told : "They were very excited and couldn't wait to share that their daughter arrived."
But critics have blasted Meghan and Harry's name choice as "rude"; and "demeaning" towards the Queen.
Angela Levin slammed the sentimental move - suggesting it exploits "a very private nickname".
She told Good Morning Britain: "I don’t think it’s a good idea - I think it’s quite rude to Her Majesty Her Queen.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"It was a very private nickname from her husband who hasn’t been dead for very long.
"Prince Charles would never dream of calling his mother Lilibet."