Jake Wood has been contacted by people who feel "suicidal" over being "bullied" because of their flame-coloured hair.
The ‘EastEnders’ actor has questioned why it is "socially acceptable" for people to poke fun at others "for ginger characteristics", and admitted some kids are also facing abuse over the colour of their hair.
Speaking on ‘Good Morning Britain’, he said: "Why is it socially acceptable to mock people for ginger characteristics?
"There is always a fine line between banter – I don’t mind fellow red heads taking the mickey out of us but there is a fine line.
"60 per cent of people with red hair have experienced abuse and yeah, you can suck it up – but people have been getting in touch saying that they have been suicidal because of it or their children are being bullied because if it and want to dye their hair."
Jake appeared on the show after his Twitter rant last week – in which he retweeted the BBC’s The Social skit, which poked fun at a person with ginger hair sitting in the sun.
The 47-year-old actor – who plays Max Branning in the BBC One soap – wrote: "Bulls**t. I’m calling this out. Why is it socially acceptable to take the piss out of someone for the colour of their hair and not for the colour of their skin?!
"All gingers have experienced being teased and bullied. I’m not even joking @GingerParrotUK I’m happy to lead the army. (sic)"
The Ginger Parrot is a community specifically for fellow redheads, and they responded to Jake’s concerns, saying: "It’s about time redheads find their voice about this. Thanks for taking the lead! #gingerpower. (sic)"
His tweet gained plenty of attention but still attracted some trolling.
One response read: "Calm down copper k***."
Jake Wood issues warning to ginger bullies
