By Gabriel Princewill-
Piers Morgan has been criticised for drinking a pint of beer on his morning television show, Good Morning Britain.
The controversial presenter was presented with a beer on Wednesday’s morning breakfast show as a symbol of celebration in advance of the reopening of pubs on July 4.
The beer was provided to coincide with a report from news correspondent Jonathan Swain reporting live from a pub about the return to the “new normal” as lockdown eases. It was done in good spirits, his detractors ave criticised the act as setting a poor example.
The criticism comes in the wake of a rise in complaints to broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, to 221 last week when Piers and Susannah Reid clashed over comments made by care minister Helen Whately.
Piers on that occasion stuck his fingers in his ears as co-host Susanna Reid tried to read out a Government-issued statement.
Boycott
He had taken exception to the fact the Government has boycotted his show because of the way he has grilled ministers about the government’s handling of the coronavirus crises, sometimes disrespectfully.
“If they’re boycotting us, I’m going to boycott their stupid little statements,” Piers fumed.
The television presenter later in the show clashed with rapper Dizzy Rascaal after Piers attempted to engage him in a debate about the black lives matters protests. Rascaal dodged the debate by claiming it was too early, eventually swearing at Piers telling him to pxxxx off.
Piers, as expected, emerged the more dignified of the two, but his many critics would only have been glad to see him on the receiving end of hostility. Rascaal came for a confrontation, not the discussion or debate style set up which routinely characterises the show.
The rapper knew he would have been out of his depths with Piers had he elected to debate.Asserting himself, Dizzee insisted: “I know you talk over people and don’t let them speak but you’re not going to do that to me.
Morgan replied: Let’s keep it calm. I’ve got a bunch of views but right now is not the time.”
Dizzee added: “You can’t force me.”
Piers said: “I’ve got no intention of forcing you. You have reacted very aggressively to a very polite question.”
Dizzee joked: “This is what happens, I become the aggressive black man. Leave me alone.”
Ofcom will hardly consider the television presenter to have put much foot wrong in this episode in which he was just trying to enthuse his television audience.
Many of the complaints against Piers arising from today’s show stems from cumulative feelings of disapproval the complainants have harboured against the presenter.
His abruptness and dominant style of asserting himself against those he deems incapable of competently defending their position is one that has riled his critics for years, but which also gives the show the attention and interest it has garnered over the years.
The timing of the day for drinking is not the best idea, and may not be the best encouragement for those battling alcohol. However, it was just a pint and not one he was drinking throughout the show.
Image: ITV.