Susanna Reid has faced backlash from ITV viewers after making what they described as a 'totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive' remark on Good Morning Britain. The 55-year-old presenter was discussing the BAFTA Film Awards with co-host Ed Balls when the conversation turned to a racial slur shouted during the ceremony.
The slur was uttered by John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner whose life story was featured in the nominated biopic I Swear. Davidson's involuntary tics included the N-word, prompting host Alan Cumming to apologise, explaining that the outburst was due to his disability.
Reid argued that an apology for the racial slur was essential, stating: 'A racial slur is always something, presumably, that needs to be apologised for.' Balls countered that the apology should be for broadcasting the slur, not for Davidson's condition, but Reid maintained: 'I think you should always apologise if an utterly offensive racial slur is used.'
Viewers took to social media to criticise Reid, with one asking: 'So it doesn't matter where, or from whom, the racial slur was issued? Even if it was shouted out by someone with Tourettes... Susanna says SOMEONE has to apologise?' Another added: 'The actor in the film regarding Tourette's wins an award but Susanna states that we need to apologise for the consequence of that disability.'
