Alright, let’s break this down. Ben Mulroney, husband to Meghan Markle’s close friend Jessica Mulroney, has decided to step down as the anchor of CTV’s ETalk. Why? Well, it’s all part of a broader commitment to creating more space for diverse voices in the media. This move comes after Jessica faced criticism for what some described as “textbook white privilege.” Interestingly, just two weeks prior, Jessica’s TV show, I Do, Redo, was pulled from the Canadian TV network on June 11. It’s a moment of reflection and action for the Mulroneys, and it’s sparking conversations about representation and equity in media.
Ben Mulroney’s Honest Reflection on His Career
Now, here’s what Ben had to say during the June 22 episode of ETalk. The 44-year-old addressed the situation head-on, acknowledging the challenges his wife, Jessica, has faced. “I love my wife,” he began, “but it’s not my place to speak for her. Instead, today, we’re both committed to doing the work to better understand anti-Black racism and the blind spots we might have.” Ben, who’s been with ETalk since its inception in 2002, admitted that despite working hard to build his career, stepping aside felt like the right choice. Why? Because systemic racism, though often invisible to those who benefit from it, needs to be dismantled. “It’s not just about me. It’s about making room for others who deserve a seat at the table,” he explained.
Creating Space for New Voices
Ben didn’t stop there. He went on to emphasize the importance of amplifying Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in media and beyond. “We need to hear from them. We need their perspectives. They need platforms to inspire and lead,” he stated. His decision to step down was inspired by a desire to make room for those voices. “I’m stepping away so that someone else—someone who has been historically underrepresented—can take the mic. Someone who can bring fresh ideas and energy to this platform.”
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What Led to Jessica’s Backlash?
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Earlier this month, Jessica Mulroney found herself at the center of a social media storm. It all started when Sasha Exeter, a Black influencer based in Toronto, accused Jessica of a series of problematic behaviors. Sasha recounted receiving a written threat from Jessica after urging fellow Instagram stars to use their platforms to support the Black Lives Matter movement. “Listen, I’m not calling Jess a racist,” Sasha clarified in an Instagram video on June 10. “But she’s very aware of her wealth, power, and privilege—privilege that comes from the color of her skin. That gave her the confidence to attack my livelihood in writing.”
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CTV quickly responded to Sasha’s viral video by removing Jessica’s show, I Do, Redo, from their schedule. “Because of recent conduct by one of our show hosts, Jessica Mulroney, that conflicts with our commitment to diversity and equality, CTV has removed I Do, Redo from all Bell Media channels and platforms effective immediately,” the network stated. Since then, Jessica has gone quiet on social media, but she did release a statement expressing her respect for CTV’s decision. “The events of the past few days have made it clear that I have work to do,” she admitted. “I recognize how my privilege as a white woman has given me advantages that many, especially the Black community, don’t have. While I can’t change the past, I can commit to doing better moving forward.”
Interestingly, Meghan Markle, who became close friends with Jessica around 2011, has not commented on the situation. Perhaps she’s letting her friend navigate this moment on her own. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the movement for racial justice, visit Blacklivesmatter.com.
