Discussing the social media backlash, Dr Zoe explained: “I have had lots of comments and questions sent to me about what happened yesterday, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect before responding.
“Sometimes it is difficult to know how to respond in these situations, so I feel it is best to speak honestly and from the heart.
“I feel torn as on the one hand it pains me to see the abuse that Eamonn has been receiving because of this (that’s not ok either). Eamonn is a friend of mine, he’s one of the most warm-hearted people in television and has always been supportive of me and my career.”
The TV doctor went on to add that on one hand, Eamonn’s comments have “opened the door to a conversation”.
“I’ve spent most of my life hearing comments about my hair from people who aren’t my friend, often combined with an attempt to touch my hair and it has a very different impact,” she added.
“After a lifetime of ‘laughing it off’, I am only just now learning to set boundaries for myself.
“These comments can be called microaggressions and I’m sure people watching who’ve had similar experiences reacted to yesterday’s comments just as if it had happened to them.”
Express.co.uk has reached out to ITV for comment.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
