GMB Host Summoned by ITV Executives Over Controversial Post
Adil Ray, the presenter of ITV's Good Morning Britain, has been plunged into a professional crisis following a social media post he made concerning Sharia law. The 51-year-old broadcaster, who was awarded an OBE for his services to broadcasting, was called into urgent talks with ITV bosses after his online comments sparked a fierce backlash from viewers and caused internal dismay.
The Controversial Social Media Post
The incident unfolded on Thursday when Ray took to social media to congratulate Zohran Mamdani on his election as the new mayor of New York. In his post, Ray appeared to endorse the principles of Sharia law, a legal system derived from Islamic texts that has been heavily criticised by women's rights groups for its perceived pro-male stance. He wrote: 'Some say Mamdani may implement Sharia Law. He might. The heart of Sharia is social justice, welfare, fairness, charity and cohesion.'
Ray further elaborated that most Muslim nations operate a hybrid system of Sharia and civil law, and are gradually reforming and moving away from unethical practices, despite how it is often portrayed by the West.
Internal Fury and Viewer Backlash
A source revealed to The Sun that executives at Good Morning Britain were 'pretty cross' about the timing and content of Ray's remarks. The controversy erupted on the same day that ITV publicly announced it was in high-profile, £1.6 billion talks to sell its broadcasting arm to Sky. The source stated that bosses were sent into a 'tailspin', fearing the negative publicity could potentially derail the significant business deal.
The reaction from the public was swift and severe. On social media platforms, angry viewers expressed their strong disapproval. One user wrote, 'Take your Sharia law and f*** off,' while another warned the presenter, 'This will be your undoing.'
Ray's Clarification and Career Background
Facing the growing storm, Adil Ray later attempted to clarify his position. He posted a follow-up statement saying, 'To clarify, I am not actually suggesting Mamdani would implement Sharia law but many issues he campaigned for are some of the positive values of Sharia that Muslims try to live by. Something many of us would agree on.'
Ray, who began his career on the BBC's Asian Network, is a well-known figure in British media. He is also a comedian and actor, famous for creating the BBC's first Muslim sitcom, Citizen Khan, which ran for five primetime series on BBC1 until 2016. He joined ITV in 2018 as one of the temporary replacements for Piers Morgan on GMB and has since become a regular fixture on the morning show.
The newly elected mayor at the centre of the comments, Zohran Mamdani, 34, made history by defeating former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa to become New York's first Muslim mayor.
