Richard Madeley has apologised after asking a ‘disgusting question’ about the Hamas attacks in an interview earlier today.
The TV presenter was speaking with Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon on Good Morning Britain.
Moran was discussing the ongoing conflict on the ITV show, revealing she has family stranded in a church in Gaza City.
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The British-Palestinian politician said her ‘extended family’ had their house ‘bombed by the IDF’ while her ‘immediate family is in the West Bank’.
Sparking backlash, Madeley asked Moran if she was aware beforehand of the Hamas attack which saw more than 1,4000 murdered in Israel.
The presenter said: “You have family connections in Gaza, did you have any indication of what was going to happen 10 days ago, two weeks ago?”
He then added: “Was there any word on the street?”
Seeming taken aback by Madeley’s question, Moran replied: “Not this, not this. Everyone, everyone has been surprised first of all by the timing and sophistication and they way that it’s happened.”
She continued: “I don’t believe it is right that my family is being held accountable for what Hamas is done. It is a choice to turn off the water and the electricity and the way that has happened – I don’t believe that is right.”
Viewers demanded Madeley be taken off air for his question, calling it ‘appalling’ as one wrote: “Absolutely VILE and OFFENSIVE! He should apologise or be taken off.”
Others said ‘he should be fired for this’ as another put: “I’m genuinely disgusted by this.”
Labour and Co-op MP for Vauxhall, Florence Eshalomi also wrote on X: “I just saw the clip from @GMB interviews this morning. Richard Madeley is actually disgraceful.”
“I was in the chamber yesterday but sadly I didn’t get an opportunity to speak in the statement. Solidarity with @LaylaMoran for having to endure this racist line of questioning.”
Political analyst Bob Roberts also wrote: “It's no longer enough to dismiss Richard Madeley as a buffoon with odious views. When he suggests a British MP might have had inside and prior knowledge of the Hamas attack, then it's time to go. Sack him or be tainted by him.”
A Good Morning Britain spokesperson has said: “Richard is sorry that he has upset viewers with his question to Layla Moran.”
They added: “His intention was to understand the mood and atmosphere amongst the civilian population of Gaza immediately before the attacks … He did not mean to imply that she or her family might have had any prior knowledge of the attacks.”
During the interview, Moran also said she shared 'profound emotions of loss and grief' with the Jewish community.
The MP called on the Prime Minister to help work toward ‘a Palestinian state to call our own at the end of it’.
Topics: Good Morning Britain, Palestine, Richard Madeley, UK News, Racism, TV and Film
Jess Battison