Megan Fox & Jeremy Clarkson's mental health gaffes

“It is a negative character, as she suffered from personality disorders and was bipolar. I do not want to attract this kind of negative energy in my life."

- Megan Fox on the Marylin Monroe tattoo she had removed

1.    Megan Fox, Actress

Had her tattoo of Marilyn Monroe removed when she discovered the Hollywood icon had mental health problems.

Fox told Italian magazine Amica: "I'm removing it. It is a negative character, as she suffered from personality disorders and was bipolar. I do not want to attract this kind of negative energy in my life."

Rethink Mental Illness CEO Paul Jenkins said: “Fox’s comments are insensitive and reinforce the myth that having an illness such as bipolar disorder is some kind of personal failing or a sign of weakness. I very much doubt Fox would have made a statement like this if Monroe had been affected by a physical illness such as cancer.”

2.    Jeremy Clarkson, TV presenter

In December, Clarkson complained in his newspaper column that people who commit suicide on railways cause ‘immense’ disruption for commuters by delaying their journeys.

Jane Harris, associate director of communications for Rethink Mental Illness said: “Criticising people who are such extreme distress that they end their own life, is a new low even for Clarkson. If he feels so strongly about suicide, perhaps he should channel his anger into campaigning for better mental health services, rather than attacking people who may have struggled for many years with a mental illness.

3.    Jameela Jamil, TV presenter

Tweeted that Catherine Zeta-Jones’s diagnosis of Bipolar disorder was down to the menopause.

On the day the Hollywood actress revealed to the world she had been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, the T4 presenter tweeted: 'Catherine Zeta-Jones has just been admitted to rehab for bipolar disorder. I GUARANTEE it's just the menopause! Makes 40+ crazy.’

Paul Jenkins said: “Although Jamil may have intended this as a joke, it was in very poor taste. People who are brave enough to be open about their mental illness, should be commended, not ridiculed.”

4.    Philip Davies, Conservative backbench MP

Said people with a mental illness should work for less than minimum wage.

Philip Davies, the MP for Shipley told the House of Commons in June that people with mental health problems should be able to work for less than minimum wage in order to get a foot in the door of employment because they ‘can’t be as productive’.

Paul Jenkins said: “To suggest that the answer to employment discrimination is to cut the wages of those already facing disadvantage is seriously misguided. His comments are an insult to anybody who has ever had a mental health problem.”

5.    Geoffrey Boycott, cricket commentator

Joked in March that cricketer Michael Yardy's depression might have been caused by Boycott's criticism of his bowling.

Paul Jenkins said: “Boycott’s thoughtless and crass comments reveal an out-dated attitude. He seems to be missing the point that depression is a serious illness, it’s not about being a bit stressed at work. The one encouraging thing about the whole incident was how quickly and widely his comments were condemned. It shows that attitudes are shifting, and views like this are becoming much less acceptable.”

1.    Catherine Zeta-Jones

Revealed she is receiving treatment for bipolar disorder.

Mark Davies, Director of communications for Rethink Mental Illness said: “It is to her credit that she described her illness truthfully. The stigma that still surrounds mental illness often means that people stay silent and try to cope alone. When people such as Catherine Zeta-Jones speak out it makes a huge difference to the millions of other people facing mental illness as it shows they are not alone.”

2.    Rebecca Front

Admitted on Twitter that she experiences panic attacks and encouraged other celebrity tweeters to follow her lead and reveal their mental health issues.

Davies said: “Front opened up one of the biggest conversations of the year around mental health through this one simple action. The outpouring that followed highlighted the power celebrities and social media have as a force for positive change.”

3.    Georgia Taylor

Played Dr Ruth Winter in Casualty who developed mental illness and was sectioned.

Davies said: “Taylor’s portrayal of mental illness was sensitive and brought the issue to a mass prime-time audience. We had an overwhelmingly positive response from our members and supporters, many of whom had been through similar experiences to the character.” 

4.    Frank Bruno

Spoke openly about being sectioned for the Time to Change Campaign.

Davies said: “Since his mental health crisis in 2003, Bruno has become one of the most open celebrities in the UK, when it comes to mental illness. He has campaigned tirelessly to end mental health discrimination through the Time to Change Campaign and has brought comfort to many thousands of people.”

5.    Danny Cipriani

Former England rugby star, Danny Cipriani, revealed he sought counselling after being affected by a period of severe depression.

Davies said: “It was very courageous of Danny to be so open about his experiences with depression. His honesty will have given courage to many others who may be afraid to talk openly about their mental health, and will act as a source of strength to those who suffer in silence.

“This year saw a real turning point for sport and mental health more generally, with Jonny Wilkinson and Michael Yardy also speaking out about their experiences of depression. The fact they both felt able to do this, is perhaps a sign that things are changing in the macho world of sport.”