NSPCC issues apology over decision to cut ties with Munroe Bergdorf

13th June 2019

“We should have been more thoughtful and caring about how we managed our relationship.”

Last week, trans activist Munroe Bergdorf was dropped as as a Childline ambassador just three days after she was announced as the charity’s first LGBTQ campaigner, all because a journalist from Times incorrectly labelled her a ‘porn model’.

In a statement, the NSPCC said: “Munroe Bergdorf has supported the most recent phase of Childline’s campaign which aims to support children with LGBTQ+ concerns. Munroe has been referred to as a Childline Ambassador.

“At no point has she been an Ambassador for the Charity. She will have no ongoing relationship with Childline or the NSPCC.

“The NSPCC does not support, endorse or authorise any personal statements made by any celebrities who contribute to campaigns. Childline is available to children without condition to provide support whatever the nature of their concerns.”

Munroe wrote in response: “Firstly I have never shot porn in my life, secondly demonising those who do isn’t okay either.

“This Pride Month Childline had the opportunity to lead by example and stand up for the trans community, not bow down to anti-LGBT hate and overt transphobia. But instead they decided to sever ties without speaking to me, delete all the content we made together and back-peddle without giving any reason why.”

https://twitter.com/MunroeBergdorf/status/1138813219215204353

Due to widespread backlash from mainstream media, NSPCC has issued a formal apology to Munroe.

Peter Wanless, CEO, said in a statement: “I want to acknowledge first and foremost that we shouldn’t have cut ties with Munroe Bergdorf in the way we did. We should have been more thoughtful and caring about how we managed our relationship with her at the outset as we were the ones who had reached out to her and brought her into the Childline family in the first place.”

He continued: “I have spoken with Munroe today about the situation and have offered a full, frank and unreserved apology. I agreed with her that we condemn all transphobic bullying, harassment and abuse.”

Munroe said she “appreciated” the formal apology on Twitter, but added: “It’s definitely not perfect and I can’t tell you the emotional distress that this has brought to my door. But I just want to move on from this whole ordeal.”