Nadia Sawalha Initiates Legal Action Against Loose Women

Sawalha declared, "My legal team at ELSC have today written to ITV alleging that I have been treated unlawfully due to my protected beliefs." She added, "Now before I say anything else, I want to say how sad I am that it has got to this. Believe me, I have appealed to ITV's hearts and minds but to no avail."

Sawalha claims producers repeatedly altered her position on the line-up after she voiced pro-Palestinian beliefs.

She began speaking publicly in support of Palestine in December 2023. This initiated an escalating campaign of smears, complaints, hostile media coverage, and targeted calls for her removal from Loose Women, she claims.

ITV took Sawalha on and off the show multiple times. The reason often cited was, "It's all a bit noisy out there for us."

Sawalha asserts ITV continued to change the goalposts. They stated they could not guarantee she would not be removed again, depending on what was said.

A 15-page dossier, demanding Sawalha not return to the show, reached ITV higher-ups in June.

Separately, a letter from a group of prominent pro-Israel media figures sent a 20-page document to ITV, urging them not to reinstate Nadia Sawalha, Sawalha claims.

Sawalha denied she had been suspended from Loose Women.

Two newspapers previously accused Sawalha and her husband of antisemitism and supporting terrorism. Both have since issued apologies and paid damages.

Significant internal conflict surrounds Sawalha's position on the show, with many defenders but others making it clear they will refuse to work with her.

Some backstage personnel considered Sawalha a 'loose cannon', worried their own reputations would be tarnished.

The cast felt there was a double standard in how Nadia Sawalha had been treated compared to other stars.

Sawalha declared, "enough is enough." She noted that others have faced similar repercussions for speaking according to their conscience.

She urged supporters to sign a petition, stating, "Two years ago, there was a petition to have me removed from Loose Women and I want to show there are many more people with us than against us."

ITV has previously stated that any views shared by Nadia Sawalha on her social platforms are her personal opinions. They do not represent or reflect the views of ITV.

The show 'Loose Women' has been reduced to 30 weeks a year.

The Standard has contacted ITV for comment regarding the ongoing situation.