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Jessica Mulroney’s Reality TV Show cancelled after ‘white privilege’ accusations

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Updated on July 6, 2023

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A Canadian broadcaster has canceled the TV series of a fashion stylist who was accused of “white privilege” amid a feud with a black social media influencer.

Jessica Mulroney, the wife of TV star Ben Mulroney and a fashion contributor for Good Morning America and CityLine, apologized on Wednesday night after a Black fashion and lifestyle blogger made the charges on Instagram.

Sasha Exeter, a Canadian lifestyle blogger, posted a roughly 12-minute video on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon describing her encounters with Mulroney.

Ms Exeter said the TV presenter, a close friend of Megan Markle, threatened to damage her career.

Mulroney took offence to Exeter’s recent appeal for those with significant public followings to utilize their platforms to speak out against racism, she reveals.

“Listen, I am by no means calling Jess a racist but what I will say is this, she is very well aware of her wealth, her perceived power and privilege because of the color of her skin. And that, my friends, gave her the momentary confidence to come for my livelihood in writing,” she continued, accusing Mulroney of using her “textbook white privilege.””

Mulroney, she said, reached out to brands for which Exeter has worked or may work in the future. Mulroney has yet to reply to the claim in public.

Mulroney did not dispute the exchange when he commented on Exeter’s Instagram post hours later.

“I know we have different experiences. And that is something that, even in the course of a heated argument, I need to acknowledge and understand,” it read in part. “I am unequivocally sorry for not doing that with you, and for any hurt I caused.”

“As I told you privately,” she said, “I have lived a very public and personal experience with my closest friends where race was front and center,” likely alluding to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who left the UK with Prince Harry following months of bigotry by British tabloid media. “It was deeply educational. I learned a lot from that,” Mulroney stated.

However, Exeter claims that after making the apology, Mulroney sent her a direct message (DM) that read: “Liable [sic] suit. Good luck.”

Mulroney followed up with a lengthy message on her own Instagram account a few hours later, partially stating, “I want to say from my heart that every word of my apologies to Sasha over the course of the last two weeks privately, and again both publicly and privately today is true. I did not intend in any way to jeopardize her livelihood. We had a disagreement and it got out of hand and for that I’m sorry.”

This year saw the premiere of I Do, Redo, a 30-minute program in which couples redo their wedding ceremonies. CTV’s website appears to have been purged of content related to the program.

“Bell Media and CTV encourages our entire team including our on-air talent to practice respect, inclusivity, and allyship as we pledge to work better and more openly to listen to and amplify Black voices, and not to minimize them,” the network wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

“Because recent conduct by one of our shows hosts, Jessica Mulroney conflicts with our commitment to diversity and equality, CTV has removed I Do Redo from all Bell Media channels and platforms effective immediately.”

Mulroney said she appreciated CTV’s decision and has opted to take a break from her professional commitments at this time to think, learn, and focus on her family in a post on her Instagram story on Thursday.

“The events that have transpired over the last few days have made it clear that I have work to do,” she said in a written statement.

“I realize more than ever how being a white, privileged woman has put me far ahead of so many, and in particular those in the Black community. And while I can’t change the past, I can do my part to do better in the future.”

“I was wrong, and for that I am truly sorry,” Mulroney said, adding that she had no intention of taking legal action against Exeter.