Amanda Holden shares 'anger' over Caroline Flack being 'thrown to the dogs'
Amanda Holden has shared her “anger” at the way Caroline Flack was “thrown to the dogs” by an industry she loved.
Holden, who has also worked closely with ITV throughout her career, shared her memories of the “funny, bright beautiful young girl” who died on 15 February by suicide.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge questioned why Flack was not shown the “same level of consideration” and “protection” as other artists who have “struggled recently”.
“Utterly devastated to hear of the sudden death of this funny bright beautiful young girl. My heart goes out to her family,” she wrote on Instagram.
“For Caroline to feel that death was the only way out breaks my heart .... Anger doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel about her being thrown to the dogs like she was ..Why was she not shown the same level of consideration, protection, warmth and importance as other artists in our industry who have struggled recently?”
She added: ”There are criminal gaps in the differences. I am certain there is more to her story... I know the truth will out.
“May she rest in peace and those responsible for this lack of humanity be brave enough to admit their shame.”
Flack died by suicide on 15 February. In a statement, her family confirmed the news: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February. We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."
The former Love Island host was due to stand trial on 4 March over allegations of domestic abuse; she was arrested in December amid accusations she had attacked boyfriend Lewis Burton.
Burton, who had denied the prosecution, shared an emotional tribute to the 40-year-old a day after her passing, promising the star he would "be your voice baby", and that he would "try [to] make you proud everyday".
"I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don't think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking," the 27-year-old tennis player wrote on Instagram.
He concluded: "I love you with all my heart."
Part of Flack’s bail conditions denied her contact with Burton.
Read more: ITV pays tribute to Caroline Flack
The CPS said it would not comment on the specifics of the case "given the tragic circumstances".
Caroline stepped down from hosting the 2020 series of Love Island amid the ongoing court case. Both Caroline and ITV made it clear the door had been left open for a possible return.
For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.