Carrington Saunders, a contestant on the upcoming season of The Apprentice, has publicly expressed deep regret for filming herself while driving. The revelation came after videos surfaced online showing her using her phone behind the wheel, a practice she now acknowledges as a “serious lapse in judgement.”
The videos, circulating on social media, depict Saunders actively recording content while operating a vehicle. In one particularly striking clip, she is seen displaying her manicured nails to the camera while her hands should have been firmly on the steering wheel.
UK law strictly prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, carrying penalties of up to six points on a license and potential driving bans. Authorities classify this behavior as one of the “fatal four” driving offenses – alongside speeding, drunk driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt – due to its high correlation with fatal accidents.
The consequences of distracted driving are tragically clear. In 2023 alone, 23 people were killed and 652 injured in the UK in incidents where a driver was using a mobile phone. These statistics underscore the immense danger posed by even momentary distractions.
Prior to the controversy, Saunders presented herself as a confident and assertive entrepreneur. She described herself as someone “not afraid to speak my mind, stand up for what I believe in and take the lead.” She built a loungewear business from the ground up, leveraging the power of social media to reach her audience.
This incident is not isolated within the current Apprentice cohort. Another contestant, Levi Hague, is facing scrutiny over resurfaced social media posts from the early 2010s containing deeply offensive and discriminatory language. These posts included derogatory terms and support for controversial figures.
Hague’s previously public posts reportedly targeted both religious groups and women, using hateful and abusive language. The content, which has since been removed, paints a disturbing picture of his past views.
The new season of The Apprentice is set to premiere this week, featuring twenty ambitious entrepreneurs vying for Lord Sugar’s investment. Tim Campbell and Baroness Karren Brady will once again serve as his trusted advisors throughout the competition.
The unfolding controversies surrounding Saunders and Hague cast a shadow over the launch of the series, raising questions about the vetting process for contestants and the responsibility of public figures to maintain appropriate online conduct.
Saunders has stated she accepts “full responsibility” for her actions, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving and the potential consequences of irresponsible behavior.
