Veteran broadcaster Jan Leeming has announced she is stepping away from social media after facing what she described as "vile abuse" in response to her critique of ITV presenter Charlene White. Leeming, 84, had posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, calling White, 46, "condescending" and stating she "doesn't hack it as a newsreader."

White responded to Leeming's comments, expressing surprise and noting that she had admired Leeming as a child. The exchange escalated when Leeming suggested that it is "far easier for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people (BAME) to get ahead" in various professions, a statement she later apologized for, calling it "unwise."

Leeming stated on X that she should have "kept my thoughts to myself" and that the "nasty and personal abuse" she received was unwarranted for a comment on style. She added that her personal life being brought into the discussion was "below the belt." Leeming indicated she would not be using her account for a few days, contrasting the current criticism with criticism she received from journalists in her earlier career.

Earlier, Leeming had elaborated on her critique, asserting that while White has earned her spurs as a journalist, it does not equate to being a good presenter. Leeming differentiated her own career as a presenter and interviewer from that of a journalist. She also expressed a sentiment that free speech in the country is now restricted.

In response to Leeming's initial remarks, White had posted on X that it was "very surprising to see a presenter I admired as a kid deciding to slate me on social media." She added that in an industry where women, especially Black women, have had to work hard to succeed, such disrespect from a "fellow female journo feels like s’thing from a bygone era."

Leeming then replied that her criticism of White's delivery as condescending had "nothing to do with colour." She reiterated her belief that it is easier for BAME individuals to advance in today's society, framing her initial comments as just an opinion. Leeming also referenced a comment about Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who recently resigned amid a plagiarism controversy, and suggested that a headcount in television might reveal a disproportionate ratio of BAME individuals compared to their population share, similar to female representation.

Leeming worked as a BBC presenter from 1969 to 1987, including a period as a newsreader from 1980. More recently, she has been critical of contemporary presenters, citing issues with pronunciation and speech clarity. She previously criticized presenters for mispronouncing words like "grievous" and "mischievous," and noted the perceived overuse of "like" by younger speakers.

Leeming's social media activity also includes past criticism of 21st-century parenting. She recounted an experience at a restaurant where she was unfavorably treated after complaining about a screaming child, suggesting that children should not be brought to expensive restaurants or be present late in the evening without a babysitter.