This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Ben Mulroney Quits As CTV 'eTalk' Host To 'Create Space' For People Of Colour

The Mulroney couple are stepping away to learn about their "blind spots."
Ben Mulroney speaks at a Canadian screening at TIFF Bell Lightbox on June 11, 2018 in Toronto.
GP Images via Getty Images for Warner Bros. Canada
Ben Mulroney speaks at a Canadian screening at TIFF Bell Lightbox on June 11, 2018 in Toronto.

Ben Mulroney is stepping down as anchor of CTV’s “eTalk,” a decision he’s made in order to create an opportunity for someone from a diverse community to replace him.

He made the announcement on Monday during CTV’s “Your Morning,” which he co-hosts.

He acknowledged recent scrutiny over his wife Jessica Mulroney — who bullied a Black woman on social media earlier this month — and also highlighted a “national conversation” on CTV about how to take action against systemic racism.

“It means acknowledging here today that my privilege has benefited me greatly,” said Mulroney, whose father is former prime minister Brian Mulroney. “And while I have certainly worked hard to build my career, I know that systemic racism and injustice helps people like me, and harms those who aren’t like me, often in ways that are invisible to us. This needs to change.”

He said he hopes that his vacating the anchor role will “create a space for a new perspective and a new voice.”

“It is my hope that the new anchor is Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour who can use this important platform to inspire, lead, and make change.”

Mulroney has been with “eTalk” since it started in 2002 and will continue to contribute to the show on “special assignments” including red carpet awards coverage. His role with “Your Morning” will not change.

Ben Mulroney told viewers Monday that he and his wife, who has stepped away from professional engagements, are committed to learning more about anti-Black racism and understanding our “blind spots.”

Bell Media will be looking for a replacement anchor in the coming weeks, company vice-president Nanci MacLean stated in a press release.

One of Canada’s most recognizable TV presenters, the 44-year-old host has an extensive body of work in Canadian media, starting in childhood. He was the face of “Canadian Idol” and is the voice of radio show “eTalk 20.” He married Jessica in 2008 during a private reception that saw hundreds of onlookers gathered in downtown Montreal for a glimpse of the nuptials.

Jessica Mulroney under scrutiny

Earlier this month, Sasha Exeter, a Black lifestyle influencer, said Jessica Mulroney threatened her livelihood and “tried to silence a Black woman.”

In the fallout, CTV dropped Jessica Mulroney’s reality series “I Do, Redo.” She also lost prominent roles with Hudson’s Bay, daytime talk show CityLine, and ABC morning show “Good Morning America.” She’s voluntarily withdrawn from a women’s charity she co-founded with family members.

The celebrity stylist apologized to Exeter publicly, but fellow Canadian influencers have called her statements insincere; Exeter showed her followers a screenshot appearing to show Mulroney threatening to sue her for libel.

Ben Mulroney’s “eTalk” co-host Elaine “Lainey” Lui has outlined what was wrong with Jessica’s actions, as well as worries about repercussions due to the family’s influence.

In a blog post about the couple’s “white fragility,” Lui noted that although she has her own accolades and profile, she’s still a woman of colour — “even I’m afraid of the Mulroneys.”

Jessica, who Harper’s Bazaar calls “Canada’s fashion fairy godmother,” has high-profile clientele like actress Mindy Kaling, and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau in an unofficial capacity. Notably, she’s close friends with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. The two met when Markle was based in Toronto shooting the TV show “Suits.” Jessica and Markle (beside Ben Mulroney in the centre photo below) were often seen together at Canadian high-profile events.

As Markle’s profile grew after becoming romantically linked with Prince Harry, so too did Jessica’s. Some of Markle’s Canadian style choices are associated with Jessica and the pair’s friendship has been a fixture in royal press.

The Mulroney family was a prominent part of the royal wedding in 2018: twin sons Brian and John held Markle’s veil, with their excitement making headlines; their daughter Ivy served as a bridesmaid.

Meghan Markle and her pageboys arrive at her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England.
Jane Barlow/WPA Pool via Getty Images
Meghan Markle and her pageboys arrive at her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England.

The stylist and her husband sat by the front row as Meghan and Harry exchanged vows, with Ben’s position in the “guest of honour” seat confusing those who were unaware of his connection to the Royal Family.

When Markle was criticized last year for her plane usage, Jessica stepped in to defend her friend against the “racist bullies” who spoke out against her for years.

“When someone faces unfair criticism, you call it out. When that person is your friend and your family, you call those critics what they truly are,” she shared on Instagram. “Shame on you, you racist bullies.”

With a file from Andree Lau

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.