Made In Chelsea Stars Criticized for Mocking Netball Players

Reality television personalities Melissa Tattam and Ruby Adler, hosts of the "Wednesdays" podcast, have drawn significant criticism following a podcast clip where they appeared to mock women who play netball. The segment, which was subsequently deleted from the podcast's Instagram, led to viewers branding the pair as "mean girls."

Tattam and Adler, who took over hosting duties after Sophie Habboo departed in July, were heard laughing as they discussed women participating in netball after work hours. Tattam commented, "We literally don't have to do that anymore. We left school ten years ago. You don't have to do that anymore." Adler suggested that playing netball might be a way for some women to feel part of a community.

In response, Tattam expressed her disbelief, stating, "No, I can't cope. I can't." Both hosts elaborated on their disinterest in the sport, with Adler adding, "I don't think you could pay me enough to come like I don't want to come, I don't want to do it at school and I don't want to do it now." Tattam drew a parallel between netball and men playing golf, noting that while many friends play sports like football, hockey, or golf, women who play netball in the winter are often doing so in cold weather.

She further categorized people into two groups: those who maintain a passion for sports from their school days into adulthood and those, like herself and Adler, who are "not sporty girls." Adler concluded by saying she would prefer to go to a pub rather than travel to play netball on a Tuesday night.

The backlash on social media included comments such as, "It's sad when women still give mean girl energy at this age," and "Imagine being a woman, taking the p**s out of another woman and claiming to be a girl's girl."

Despite the public reaction, Tattam's boyfriend, Toby Watkins, shared a video on TikTok humorously addressing the controversy. The clip showed Tattam alongside him, with Watkins jokingly captioning it, "Suggested netball for our second date, reckon she's down?" Ruby Adler responded to the post with "I'm dying."

Sophie Habboo had announced her departure from the "Wednesdays" podcast in July, explaining her decision to step down to prioritize spending time with her son, Ziggy. She expressed gratitude for the podcast's community and support, and officially handed over hosting duties to Adler and Tattam, whom she referred to as the "best hands ever."