Good Morning Britain viewers were left shocked on Tuesday when anti-Brexit campaigner Dr Victoria Bateman appeared completely naked during an interview. The 'naked economist' had the words 'Brexit leaves Britain naked' written across her chest to argue that leaving the EU would leave the country 'exposed' and 'naked economically'.
Presenter Kate Garraway explained that the image was blurred to 'protect her modesty' and avoid offending viewers at home. Co-host Richard Madeley, however, confessed he was not shocked by her naked body, noting that the show had known about the stunt in advance. 'We've girded our loins as it were,' he said.
Dr Bateman, who previously stripped off on BBC Radio 4, said she used nudity to condense thousands of words into a simple message. 'As an economist I'm used to using words and equations to make an argument... I thought I would condense down all those thousands of words into a single message that Brexit leaves Britain naked,' she stated.
She was joined by Henry Newman, Director of Open Europe, who dismissed the protest as an 'embarrassing stunt'. Dr Bateman countered that her actions were not illegal, pointing out that naked women are common in advertising and pornography. 'The key message I really have to deliver is Brexit is the Emperor's new clothes,' she added.
Viewers took to Twitter in shock, with one writing: 'Its 7:30 AM and there’s a woman on TV butt naked protesting about Brexit... what the f***s going on with this country.' Another said: 'Turning on my TV to this this morning?! What the heck?! My eyes!'
