A Place in the Sun host defends Scotland’s new hate crime laws after backlash

Jean Johansson, who hosts A Place in the Sun, has spoken up in defence of Scotland’s new hate crime laws. The Channel 4 star also claimed that she had seen “privileged straight white men crying” about the changes on social media.

The controversial legislation has sparked concern from some parties over the potential criminalisation of freedom of expression. Critics include tech billionaire Elon Musk and Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

The laws will make it an offence to stir up hatred against protected characteristics, including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. Police Scotland have since clarified that the legislation, which will come into force next month, will not target performers.

Taking to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Johansson defended the new rules in view of her 29,400 followers. She wrote: “Not sure what the issue is with Scotland’s new Hate Crime Law.

“Don’t be a racist, bigot, transphobe, homophobe and we’re all good,” she added. “Lots of privileged straight white men on here crying about it.

“I guess they’ve never been the victim of a hate crime,” she pointed out.

While Johansson seems to be a big fan of the new legislation, some other high-profile stars have voiced their frustration at the change.

Famous author Rowling, who has previously faced backlash for posting her views about transgender people online, has said she will not delete social media posts that could breach the new hate crime laws, branding them “ludicrous”.

Meanwhile, Tesla boss Musk shared his thoughts by responding to a post from Malaysian right-wing influencer Ian Miles Cheong.

Under the post, which was Cheong’s summary of an article he had read about the new laws, Musk penned: “An example of why it is so important to preserve freedom of speech.”

A statement from Police Scotland read: “Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is not instructing officers to target actors, comedians, or any other people or groups.

“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation and officers balance the protections people have under human rights legislation against other laws every day.

“Our training for the new Act therefore reminds officers of their human rights obligations and it reflects all aspects of the new legislation, including the protection it includes around freedom of expression.”