Richard Madeley heavily criticised for ‘appalling’ domestic violence advice

Richard Madeley has been criticised after offering ‘appalling’ advice on domestic violence.

The renowned TV presenter writes an agony uncle column for The Telegraph newspaper, but was criticised and accused of downplaying domestic violence fears after he offered up some ‘misjudged’ advice earlier this week.

In the Saturday’s Daily Telegraph, an advice-seeking reader wrote into the column expressing their fears that their neighbour could be suffering domestic violence.

‘What shall I do about my noisy nocturnal neighbours?’ wrote the concerned reader.

Describing ‘bangs and crashes and shouting’ that comes from the house most nights, the reader wrote, ‘I worry that something could come to light in the future and I would feel guilty because I did nothing, despite a gut feeling that things are not right.’

The former This Morning presenter, who has made a reputation alongside his wife Judy Finnigan, responded to the query writing, ‘If some sort of serious abuse was involved you’d have noticed it (in the form of black eyes, cut lips and the like, or late night visits from the police after drunken 999 calls).

‘If they were going to kill each other, they’d have done it by now.’

The star was immediately criticised by readers, who took to social media to condemn him.

‘This is appalling and dangerous advice,’ tweeted domestic abuse charity Refuge, who demanded a retraction.

‘Women live in fear of their partners across the country – many are isolated and alone; Literally trapped. Women’s lives depend on people calling out abuse.’

Richard has since taken to his Twitter page with a public apology for ‘misjudged’ advice, writing, ‘Hi everyone. My critics 2day are absolutely right – I misjudged this one, tonally and in content.

‘SO annoyed with self. Have reached out this afternoon 2 various people to apologise+will address it in Saturday’ paper. Mea Culpa.’