ITV's flagship morning programme, Good Morning Britain, has sparked a major viewer revolt after airing a segment about historical allegations against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
What Sparked the Backlash?
During the broadcast on Tuesday, November 25, presenter Ranvir Singh reported on claims first published in The Guardian newspaper. The report contained allegations from former pupils of Dulwich College that Farage had used antisemitic and racist language during his school days.
Correspondent Jonathan Swain, reporting from Westminster, stated that Farage had addressed these claims at a Reform UK event in Llandudno, North Wales. When questioned by a journalist, the MP responded, "Not with intent. No, I have never directly really tried to go and hurt anybody."
He further elaborated, "Have I said things 50 years ago that you could interpret as being banter in a playground, you could interpret in the modern light of day in some sort of way? Yes... I've never directly racially abused anybody."
Viewers Flood Social Media with Complaints
The decision to cover this story, which relates to events alleged to have occurred five decades ago, did not sit well with the audience. Viewers swiftly took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their frustration and disbelief.
One viewer questioned the editorial judgement, asking, "As if @GMB are even giving this air time?" Another echoed this sentiment, posting, "I can't believe the airtime this is getting. Things he may or may not have said... 50 years ago?"
The criticism was sharp, with a third viewer commenting, "Really clutching at straws now!" The phrase "new low" was used by several, with one stating, "Wow, GMB has reached a new low, absolutely scrapping the barrel." A fifth viewer pondered the credibility of the claims, writing, "Dear god who the hell remembers what was said in a school playground and if so why suddenly remember it 50 years on!"
A Programme Under Fire
The segment was part of the Tuesday edition of the show, which was hosted by regular presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls. They were supported by Laura Tobin with weather updates and Ranvir Singh on news coverage.
This wave of complaints highlights the delicate balance broadcasters must strike when reporting on historical allegations against political figures, especially when the events in question are from the distant past. For a significant portion of its audience, Good Morning Britain's editorial choice on this occasion missed the mark, leading to accusations of the show scraping the bottom of the barrel for content.
