Having caused somewhat of a furore after suggesting that eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia were the results of a narcissistic society during an interview with The Sunday Times, Baroness Joan Bakewell has backtracked on her comments and acknowledged the upset they caused.
Speaking to the Press Association, the award-winning journalist and broadcaster explained that she would have, under different circumstances, offered a more insightful commentary on the disorders.
"I was enormously surprised because I thought I was having an off-the-record conversation with a journalist so my off-the-cuff remarks were very casual and not thought through," she admitted.
Acknowledging that innumerable charities and members of the public were outraged by the inaccuracy of her remarks, Baroness Bakewell continued: "People were angry at what was reported. I'm very sorry they were distressed."
Proving that hindsight is a wonderful thing indeed, Baroness Bakewell, who will turn 83-years-old in April, admitted that her remarks had little grounding in reality.
"If I'd been asked to make a public statement or write an article, of course I would have found out a great deal more," she admitted while reflecting ont he weekend's events.
Acknowledging that her perspective on the subject was more than a little flawed, she continued: "Although anorexia is not a condition covered by any books on submission, I naively participated in a speculative conversation expressing off-the-cuff remarks without reference to evidence and current thinking."
Baroness Bakewell has also apologised on social media for any offence caused.
