OHMYGOSSIP — Shirley Ballas has apologised for suggesting women in the UK carry Tasers to protect themselves.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ head judge said women should “become more vigilant” and carry the weapons – which shock people with a 50,000 volt charge – in order to keep themselves safe but withdrew her comments after discovering they are illegal in the UK.
During an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Women’s Hour’, she said: “All women in today’s society should become more vigilant. It’s important that people take care of themselves, maybe carry Tasers, things like that.
“My message goes out to all women, not just women in ‘profile’ it’s taking care of yourself, it’s educating yourself.
“What can you do if you were in a situation that happened to take hold of you, that you had no idea what to do.”
However, Krupa Padhy explained: “We must say that stun guns or tasers are prohibited weapons and it is an offence to possess them.”
Shirley later said: “I apologise for my comments. I did not know Tasers were illegal in the UK, and I do not encourage violence in any way shape or form.
“I wanted to get the message across that women should feel empowered to protect themselves, and incorrectly mentioned the use of Tasers.”
Shirley’s comments came after she revealed she was worried about becoming the subject of a kidnap plot, like former ‘This Morning’ host Holly Willoughby.
She told the Daily Star: “The news about Holly has made me a little bit nervous. Let’s just say, I travel everywhere with caution.
“I’m not free as a bird like I used to be. I’m always a little bit cautious about where I’m going, especially if I’m out on my own.
“I would be wrong to say, ‘I don’t worry about it.’ Of course you do. These are the times that we live in and I think it’s very sad.”