During Monday’s broadcast (February 24) of Good Morning Britain, host Susanna Reid had to apologise after a guest made an “inappropriate gesture” on the live show.
This morning’s ITV news programme saw Susanna and her co-host Richard Madeley engaging in conversation with war correspondent John Sweeney, who provided a report from Kyiv, Ukraine.
John recounted the impact of the conflict on both Ukrainian civilians and military personnel, recounting a specific case where doctors fashioned special technology enabling an injured man, who lost multiple limbs, to operate a plastic arm using his muscles.
In a segment discussing public sentiment towards the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, John replicated a three-finger salute he had seen, which involved raising his middle finger, an action reflecting the emotions of the injured soldier in a medical facility.
John commented: “And he gave Putin the finger. It made me cry,” acknowledging the emotional encounter, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Susanna reacted instantly to the gesture, offering a prompt apology to the audience: “I understand that you felt, personally, the power of that. We do have to apologise for that gesture on breakfast television. It’s still considered a highly offensive gesture, John, and of course, there are children watching.”
John expressed his regrets, saying: “I’m very sorry, Susanna, I’m an old war reporter, sometimes I forget where I am.”
Richard commended John for his forthcoming apology, while Susanna wrapped up the discussion by stating: “We know you’re in the middle of a war-torn country in Ukraine and sometimes, of course, strong things are said, John.”
Viewers of the show swiftly turned to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their reactions to the gesture, with many venting their dissatisfaction at Susanna’s reaction: “Ummmm another stupid apology? Come on woke #gmb ridiculous.”
“Show men with arms and legs blown off and describe that in detail, show the devastation caused by war but DO NOT under any circumstances, show the bird, there are children watching. They can handle people being blown up but no hurty hand signs,” voiced one viewer.
Another expressed disbelief at the show’s priorities, tweeting: “@GMB #GMB Incredible! Putin and his stooge Trump are trying to get their grubby hands on Ukraine, and all you can do is get worked up over a hand gesture!! Get real!!”
A fourth viewer criticised the tone of the conversation, saying: “Prim and proper Susanna Reid tells off John Sweeney over a Ukrainian soldier who had lost multiple limbs in the war for using his prosthetic hand to make a ‘finger gesture’.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am