When Ulrika Jonsson appeared on the 'Untapped' podcastLondon without makeup, she didn’t expect to be torn apart online. The 57-year-old Swedish-British TV icon, known for decades as a weather presenter and Gladiators host, spoke candidly about her battle with alcoholism, anxiety, and lifelong eczema — a condition that makes wearing cosmetics painful. Instead of hearing gratitude for her honesty, she was met with a wave of cruel, ageist comments calling her face "over-tanned" and "imperfect." But one person didn’t stay silent: Spencer Matthews, the 35-year-old host of the podcast and founder of Cleanse Botanicals, responded with a simple, powerful statement: "People shouldn’t comment on the appearance of others. We stand with Ulrika." Here’s the thing: Jonsson didn’t forget to wear makeup. She chose not to. "Makeup has always been the enemy," she told listeners during the November 15, 2023 recording. "I’ve suffered from eczema since childhood — on my face, eyes, lips. I’m not a fan of wearing heavy makeup, especially after years of having to be TV-ready from 5am." For decades, her career demanded she cover her skin with layers of foundation, concealer, and powder — a daily torture that worsened her condition. When she stepped into the podcast studio, she didn’t want to perform perfection. She wanted to speak truth. The backlash was immediate. Within hours of the episode’s release, Instagram DMs flooded with snide remarks. "Why does she look like that on camera?" one wrote. "She’s 57 — shouldn’t she know better?" Another: "If you’re going to be on TV, fix your face." These weren’t random trolls. They were people who saw a woman aging visibly, unapologetically, and mistook it for a personal affront. Jonsson responded on Instagram: "I understand that an over-tanned, imperfect and AGEING face offends you. But try to listen to the words rather than constantly judge women’s appearance. You might learn something." What made this moment different? It wasn’t just the cruelty — it was the timing. Jonsson had already laid bare her alcoholism in a 2022 Times op-ed titled "I’m Ulrika Jonsson and I’m an alcoholic." She’d spoken openly about hitting rock bottom, about losing control, about choosing sobriety. Yet when she showed up without makeup — a quiet act of rebellion against beauty norms — the internet focused on her skin, not her courage. That’s the twist: women are allowed to be vulnerable, so long as they look polished doing it. Matthews didn’t just tweet a line and move on. He posted it on all his platforms — Instagram, X, YouTube — with no filter. His audience, mostly young professionals drawn to his alcohol-free lifestyle brand, rallied behind him. Comments flooded in: "Finally, someone said it." "This is why we listen to Untapped." Even Women’s Health UK and AOL picked up the story, framing it as a cultural reckoning. "This isn’t about aesthetics," wrote journalist Perdita Nouril. "It’s about who gets to exist unedited in public space." The broader context is grim. A 2023 study by the University of Westminster found that women over 50 in British media receive 73% more appearance-based criticism than their male counterparts. Jonsson isn’t an outlier — she’s the rule. Think of Holly Willoughby being scrutinized for gray hairs, or Lorraine Kelly for her wrinkles. Meanwhile, male presenters over 60 are called "distinguished" or "timeless." The double standard isn’t subtle. It’s systemic. What’s striking is how few public figures speak up. Matthews could’ve stayed quiet. He’s not a feminist icon. He’s known for reality TV and selling botanical drinks. But he recognized the pattern: women are punished for aging visibly, especially when they refuse to perform youthfulness. His statement wasn’t performative. It was necessary. Jonsson’s journey has never been about vanity. It’s about survival. She’s lived with eczema since she was three. As a teenager, she was told she’d never make it on TV. As a young presenter, she was given "skin care kits" instead of scripts. Even now, she says, "Making people feel bad doesn’t make you a hero." And she’s right. This isn’t just about one podcast. It’s about who gets to be seen — and how. When women remove their masks, literal and figurative, they’re not asking for applause. They’re asking to be heard. Matthews didn’t just defend Jonsson. He amplified her message. And for now, that’s enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ulrika Jonsson appear without makeup on the podcast?
Jonsson has suffered from chronic eczema on her face, eyes, and lips since childhood, making heavy makeup painful and aggravating her condition. After decades of being forced to wear it for TV roles, she chose to forgo it as a personal act of liberation — not negligence. She admitted she "kinda forgot" most podcasts are now visual, but emphasized it was a conscious decision rooted in health and authenticity.
How did Spencer Matthews respond to the trolling?
On November 17, 2023, Matthews posted a direct statement across his social media platforms: "People shouldn’t comment on the appearance of others. We stand with Ulrika." He didn’t issue a vague apology or deflect blame — he took public ownership of his platform’s role in amplifying her voice, and explicitly rejected the toxic commentary targeting her appearance.
What impact did this incident have on public discourse?
The incident sparked widespread media coverage in outlets like Women’s Health UK, AOL, and the Evening Standard, turning Jonsson’s personal choice into a national conversation about ageism and beauty standards. It also highlighted the disproportionate scrutiny women over 50 face in media compared to men, with experts citing a 73% higher rate of appearance-based criticism for older women.
Is this the first time Ulrika Jonsson has spoken about her eczema?
No. Jonsson has referenced her skin condition in interviews since the 2000s, but never so publicly or unapologetically. Her 2022 Times article on alcoholism was her first major public disclosure of personal struggles. The podcast appearance marked the first time she linked her eczema directly to her media career’s demands — and chose to show her skin without makeup as a form of protest.
What does this say about the future of media representation?
It suggests a generational shift. Younger audiences are increasingly rejecting curated perfection. Matthews’ support signals that platforms built on authenticity — like his podcast — can challenge industry norms. But real change requires more than one statement. It needs systemic pressure on networks to stop equating youth with value, and to stop punishing women for aging naturally — whether on screen or on social media.
Did Ulrika Jonsson or Spencer Matthews announce any follow-up actions?
As of November 18, 2023, neither Jonsson nor Matthews announced legal action, a formal campaign, or further public statements. Jonsson has since returned to her routine, and Matthews continues hosting Untapped episodes. Their silence, in this case, speaks volumes: they didn’t need to escalate. The message had already landed.
