Viewers took to Twitter in their droves to criticise the poll, while two rape charities also branded it “ill-considered, insensitive and insulting”.
A spokesperson for Rape Crisis told HuffPost UK: “This poll is completely inappropriate and Rape Crisis is disappointed that 'Loose Women' thought otherwise even for a moment.
“A programme like ‘Loose Women’ could choose to use its high profile to raise awareness and understanding of rape, its impacts and prevalence, and to support and encourage survivors to seek services like those Rape Crisis offers; instead, they’ve reinforced myths and stereotypes with this ill-considered, insensitive and insulting poll.”
“We always want to know what our viewers think about topical issues, however, we accept that the wording of the online poll was misjudged and we apologise for any offence caused.”
It is not the first time ‘Loose Women’ has sparked controversy while addressing the topic of rape.
The presenter was involved in a discussion with her fellow panellists, when she described the attack on a 19-year-old girl as “non-violent”.
"He's served his time. The rape and I am not, please, by any means minimising any kind of rape - but the rape was not violent,” Judy stated. “He didn’t cause any bodily harm to the person.
"'It was unpleasant, in a hotel room, I believe, and she was – she had far too much to drink,” Judy said. “And you know, that is reprehensible, but he has been convicted and he has served his time.
"Now when he comes out, what are we supposed to do? Just actually refuse to let him do his job? Again, even though he has already been punished?"
Here are just a handful of the other controversies 'Loose Women' has faced over the years...
'Loose Women' Controversial Moments
Judy Finnigan's Comments On 'Non-Violent Rape'(01 of08)
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In her very first appearance on the 'Loose Women' panel, Judy caused outcry with her comments defending convicted rapist Ched Evans and his potential return to football, insisting he'd "served his time", adding: "The rape was not violent, he didn't cause any bodily harm to the person."Not exactly off to a flying start... (credit:Rex/Ken McKay/ITV)
'Is It Ever A Woman's Fault If She Is Raped?'(02 of08)
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This social media poll obviously landed the show in seriously hot water, with critics suggesting that a topic as serious as rape isn't really up for debate at all, but in particular on a lunchtime panel show.
Janet Street-Porter(03 of08)
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JSP is always a polarising figure, but when she saw a photo of Prince George on the show and called him a 'cross-dressing billionaire', she managed to raise even more eyebrows than usual. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadia Sawalha Says Being Transgender Is 'A Trend'(04 of08)
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Nadia was faced with a Twitter backlash when she suggested that the rise in children being diagnosed as transgender was 'the in thing' and compared it to 'self-harm', calling it a 'fashionable word that has been taken on'. (credit:ITV)
Coleen Nolan And Her Son(05 of08)
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Coleen Nolan caused a stir in 2005, when she suggested that if her 16-year-old son passed his exams, she would pay for him to take a trip to see the Red Light District in Amsterdam.Despite criticism, Coleen stood by her comments at the time, insisting she'd rather he went there than a trip to Ibiza where he would "probably have unprotected sex with lots of girls", insisting: "I'd rather he does it somewhere well-policed and where the girls have health checks than behind the wall of a club in Ibiza."Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Shane Richie, said he was "appalled" by Coleen's suggestion. (credit:Ken McKay/ITV)
Jamelia Talks Older Mums(06 of08)
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Plus-size fashion isn't the only hot topic that has landed Jamelia in hot water, though, after she was criticised for comments she made about women who choose to become mothers later in life.One such critic was Tina Malone, who had a baby via IVF at 50 years old, who said she was "furious" with Jamelia, tweeting that at her age: "I am fitter, look better, have more energy, can cook, work, clean, and go [all night]... and I have a 32-year-old!! And Jamelia, I am wiser!!!" (credit:Steve Meddle/Rex/ITV)
Jacqueline Jossa Hits Out At The Show(07 of08)
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The 'EastEnders' actress blasted the show in 2016, when she claimed that her interview contained a line of questioning related to her fiancé's past relationship, and allegations of abuse and threats, which she'd not been briefed about beforehand. (credit:Rex Shutterstock/ITV)
THAT Katie Hopkins Interview(08 of08)
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Shortly after her eviction from the 'CBB' house, 'Loose Women' invited Katie Hopkins onto the show to offer her side of the story.However, the interview came under fire not because of what Katie said, but because of the panel, who were labelled 'bullies' and 'unprofessional' by some critics over their - admittedly, pretty intense - grilling. (credit:Rex/Ken McKay/ITV)