The TV host made the controversial comments on his late-night talk show while interviewing actress Charlene McKenna.
Cat Deeley’s ex was accused of being ‘anti-English’ (Image: Getty)
Cat Deeley’s estranged husband Patrick Kielty sparked controversy this weekend after making comments fans claimed were “anti-English”. Kielty was on the sofa of his late-night talk show interviewing actress Charlene McKenna, alongside Mischa Barton and Stranger Things star Amybeth McNulty.
When the quartet started discussing the amount of Irish talent hitting Hollywood at the moment – including Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal – Northern Irish Patrick said: “We have to talk about Jessie and the Golden Globes. I know that you also worked with Paul. What’s it like to see so many Irish actors up there?”
Charlene replied: “I mean, I think it’s great. I mean, you couldn’t help but…” She cut herself off and seemed to stumble as she said: “Paul and Jessie playing two of the most quintessentially famous English people, it was kind of like, ‘Oops’.”
Patrick encouraged her: “Get it off your chest. Go on. We all know what you’re saying,” while looking straight into the camera.
Charlene would only say: “No, but it is – it’s so great. And I’ve always said this, I’ve said it before, but a rising tide lifts all boats.
“And I just think it’s great to see the talent that we think we’ve always had on such an international platform. It’s just great.”
Amybeth echoed: “Totally agree. It genuinely doesn’t matter. I think it’s the beauty of Irish storytellers.
Charlene McKenna appeared on the chat show (Image: Getty)
“We will always find a way to tell everybody our stories, no matter if it is miles away. We will get there. There’s no choice.”
Patrick has since come under fire, however, with viewers calling him “anglophobic”. One viewer tweeted: “The anglophobia on display here is rather childish and pathetic.”
Another echoed: “Strange that they’re so pleased about a display of anti-English prejudice implicitly understood by the presenter and the audience.”
While a third commenter said: “It’s so frustrating what Paddy comes out with. All the anti Brit stuff. And if you disagree you must be a loyalist paramilitary […] He’s difficult to reach because he’s so absolutely certain about his views.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Kielty’s representative for comment.
