Laura Whitmore Sparks ADHD Debate at Gemma Styles Event

Gemma Styles, known for her ‘Good Influence’ podcast and for being the ambassador of MQ Mental Health, as well as her famous brother – Harry Styles, has released her first novel ‘Why Am I Like This?’

Using the platform at the Literature Festival to introduce her new book, she discussed mental health with a large fixation on ADHD during her interview with Laura Whitmore.

Throughout the interview, Gemma talked of how ADHD is often left undiagnosed in women or later diagnosis due to them displaying symptoms differently. Stereotypes of a child in school who can’t sit still long enough to concentrate, has caused a general overview that everyone with ADHD acts in the same way.

But, as Gemma tried to dispel some myths, Laura caused a bit of controversy with her questionable reactions and comments.

Despite the event being named after Gemma Styles and the release of her book, interviewer Laura Whitmore found a way to relate a lot of Gemma’s comments back to herself.

She cut Gemma off a few times to say things like, “That’s similar to when I interviewed (name drop) and …”

Once the event finished, many of the attendees picked up on how Laura had made it about herself. As the guests were leaving, comments of “She did realise she was just meant to be the interviewer, didn’t she?” were overheard.

During the interview, Gemma mentioned that cutting people off is something that she does a lot and she recently discovered this was a symptom of ADHD. Laura then said, in reference to how she had cut Gemma off multiple times that night, “Oh, well maybe I have ADHD then!” Following up with, “Maybe I’ll get tested after we’re done here.”

This joke was received with a mixed response from Gemma and the audience. Some awkward chuckles and a few visible winces showed that Laura had left a few people wondering whether the joke was appropriate or not, not quite sure if she had crossed the line. Gemma was quick to move on because as she had previously mentioned, she wasn’t a huge fan of self-diagnosis.

Another comment that Laura made was, “When I first met you I thought you had your sh*t together.” In response, Gemma replied with a hint of sarcasm, “Oh thanks!” It was hard to tell whether this remark had offended her or not but with the way Laura quickly moved on to her next question it seemed she wasn’t too sure either!

At any other event, comments like this may have passed by without any criticism, however during a serious discussion about mental health where diminishing stereotypes and stigma was the main goal, it’s hard to say whether Laura’s comments were appropriate.