Stacey Dooley hits back over Comic Relief ’white saviour’ row: ‘Got to be realistic’

The outspoken BBC star hit out at the decision to stop famous faces making fundraising videos on the under-developed continent amid the “white saviour poverty porn” row. And she reckons the decision will end up hurting the needy. 

The documentary maker said: “I understand the wider conversation people want to have, and I understand some are saying they feel it’s a tired narrative… I get that. 

“What is not okay is people making out like we were somehow sinister in our approach. 

“I understand you have to portray Africa – you need to show the entrepreneurial kids that are doing really well. 

The 32-year-old said claims she did not get consent for the now-famous selfie with a five-year-old-boy that sparked the Comic Relief race storm were “completely untrue”. 

The presenter said: “I’m willing to listen and learn. 

“However, I’m not willing to feel I have to justify myself to those who have already made up their mind.” 

It came as the charity’s co-founder, Love Actually filmmaker Richard Curtis, admitted they use tear-jerkers about poor African kids as they bring in the most money. 

He said: “The harsh truth is that people will give money to sadder things.” 

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