Shirley Ballas was forced to apologise on air earlier this week for suggesting women should carry Tasers to protect themselves from potential attackers.
During an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, the Strictly Come Dancing judge, 63, insisted women needed to “become more vigilant” and to educate themselves on how to react if they are in a dangerous situation. The ballroom dancer advised listeners to carry the illegal devices, which shock people with a 50,000-volt charge, to defend themselves in an attack.
But the brunette beauty was forced to take back her advice when she learnt that the protective aids are in fact illegal and are only to be used by trained police in the UK. When the topic of rising assault cases, Shirley wasted no time in wanting listeners to be wary when walking the streets alone at night.
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She said: “All women in today’s society should become more vigilant. It’s important that people take care of themselves, maybe carry Tasers, things like that. “My message goes out to all women, not just women in ‘profile’, it’s taking care of yourself, it’s educating yourself.
(Image: BBC)
“What can you do if you were in a situation that happened to take hold of you, that you had no idea what to do.” It was at this point that host Krupa Padhy was forced to jump in, warning: “We must say that stun guns or tasers are prohibited weapons and it is an offence to possess them.”
The head judge couldn’t help but apologise for her suggestion, admitting that she only wanted women to protect themselves. She later insisted: “I apologise for my comments, I did not know Tasers were illegal in the UK, and I do not encourage violence in any way, shape or form.
“I wanted to get the message across that women should feel empowered to protect themselves, and incorrectly mentioned the use of Tasers.” It comes after Shirley admitted she is “nervous” that she could become the target of an alleged kidnap plot following Holly Willoughby’s ordeal with the recent threat to her safety.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The dancer explained how she had become extra vigilant when her son Mark, 37, was attacked when he was partnered with gymnast Shawn Johnson, 31, on Dancing With The Stars – the US version of Strictly. The doting mum has since confessed the news about Holly’s attempted attacker has made her “cautious” and “nervous” about her own safety.
Speaking to Daily Star, she admitted: “The news has made me a little bit nervous. Let’s just say, I travel everywhere with caution. I’m not free as a bird like I used to be. I’m always a little bit cautious about where I’m going, especially if I’m out on my own.
“I wouldn’t be wrong to say, ‘I don’t worry about it’. Of course you do. These are the times that we live in and I think it’s very sad.” It was at this point that Shirley passed on her support to Holly and her family going through the terrifying ordeal after experiencing something similar herself.
(Image: Getty Images)
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She added: “My heart goes out to them because I know what they’re going through is an awful experience. I just feel for them and their family.” Just last week, the TV judge confessed that vile death threats have left her scared to leave her own home.
Appearing on Olivia Attwood’s new show Olivia Attwood vs The Trolls, she said: “I am talking about being in public. You worry about those same strange people that write these kinds of messages. Are they lurking in dark corners? Are they hiding behind walls when you go somewhere?”
She admitted that she is always on high alert as a result of the horrific messages, but also harbours a degree of sympathy for the people responsible.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday and Sunday from 6.30pm on BBC One or catch up on BBC iPlayer.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
