Reality television personalities Melissa Tattam and Ruby Adler, known from 'Made In Chelsea,' have drawn widespread condemnation after a podcast episode where they made disparaging remarks about women who play netball. Their comments, broadcast on the 'Wednesdays' podcast, sparked a social media storm, leading many to brand them as 'mean girls.' This controversy emerged shortly after they took over hosting duties from Sophie Habboo.
Reality Stars Face Public Outcry Over Disparaging Remarks on Netball Enthusiasts
On September 30, 2026, a snippet from the 'Wednesdays' podcast, hosted by Melissa Tattam and Ruby Adler, ignited a firestorm of criticism. The two reality stars from 'Made In Chelsea' were heard laughing as they discussed women who play netball in their leisure time. Melissa Tattam, specifically, questioned why women would continue playing the sport after leaving school, stating, "We literally don't have to do that anymore. We left school ten years ago. You don't have to do that anymore." Ruby Adler chimed in, acknowledging the community aspect but then jesting, "I can't imagine trekking to Battersea on Tuesday night to play goal attack, like, I couldn't do it. There are so many other things like I would just want to go to the pub."
The clip, initially shared on the podcast's Instagram, was swiftly removed following an onslaught of furious comments. Listeners expressed their dismay, with many accusing the duo of perpetuating 'mean girl' behavior and failing to support other women. One comment read, "It's sad when women still give mean girl energy at this age." Another stated, "Imagine being a woman, taking the p**s out of another woman and claiming to be a girl's girl."
Despite the severe backlash, Melissa and Ruby appeared to find humor in the situation. Melissa's boyfriend, Toby Watkins, posted a TikTok video featuring Melissa, playfully captioning it, "Suggested netball for our second date, reckon she's down?" to which Ruby responded, "I'm dying."
This incident occurred months after Sophie Habboo, the previous host, stepped down from the 'Wednesdays' podcast in July to focus on motherhood after welcoming her son, Ziggy. Sophie had expressed her gratitude to the podcast's community and her co-host Melissa, stating her need to prioritize her family while entrusting the show's future to Melissa and Ruby.
The controversy surrounding Tattam and Adler highlights a recurring issue in public discourse, particularly among media personalities: the potential for casual remarks to generate significant public offense and scrutiny. Their comments, while possibly intended as lighthearted banter, were perceived by many as dismissive and belittling of women's recreational choices, especially a sport like netball that fosters community and physical activity. This event serves as a reminder of the heightened expectations for public figures to exhibit empathy and consideration in their commentary, particularly in an era where social media amplifies every word. It also prompts a broader discussion on the nature of 'mean girl' dynamics and the importance of fostering supportive environments among women, both in celebrity circles and everyday life.
