Elton John criticises reaction to Phillip Schofield affair

Virgin Radio

20 Jun 2023, 07:19

Music icon Sir Elton John has spoken out about the Phillip Schofield scandal, after the television presenter admitted to having an affair with a much younger male colleague. 

Last month, the host of This Morning stepped down from the daytime show and subsequently quit ITV entirely, following what he described as an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a staffer. At the time, he was still married to wife of 30 years, Stephanie Lowe. 

The broadcaster began presenting on This Morning in 2002 and also fronted shows such as The Cube and Dancing on Ice.

Now, Sir Elton, who headlines Glastonbury Festival this weekend, has spoken about the reaction and media coverage of the affair. 

"I feel that the Phillip Schofield thing has been totally homophobic," he told the Radio Times in a new interview.

"If it was a straight guy in a fling with a young woman, it wouldn't even make the papers," he added.

Schofield himself previously said: “It’s accepted by Leonardo DiCaprio, it’s not accepted if it’s in the gay world.” Titanic star DiCaprio has reportedly had a number of relationships with women who are younger than him.

The fallout of the Schofield scandal has caused ITV to announce an external review, and ITV representatives sat down with the Culture, Media and Sports Committee last Wednesday (14th June), to discuss the situation involving Phillip and the staff member, referred to only as Person X.

Elton John will headline Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage on Sunday 25th June. It will wrap up the UK leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Whilst he won’t be hitting the road again for a tour, the singer hasn’t ruled out the idea of playing the occasional gig.

The singer admitted that “there may be the odd show” in the future.