Good Morning Britain star Piers Morgan has slammed “celebrity hypocrites” for backing the Defund the Police campaign in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
The outspoken presenter, 55, has revealed that he doesn’t agree with the likes of Hollywood star Natalie Portman, singer Lizzo and actress Jane Fonda, who are supporting the campaign which calls for the US government to reduce police budgets and reallocate those funds to crucial areas such as education, housing, mental health and youth service.
In his column with the Daily Mail online, the former newspaper editor revealed why he doesn’t back the Defund the Police campaign.
“I’m afraid my gut had a rather different reaction when I read Ms Portman’s clarion cry to defund the police,” he penned.
“This, surely, is celebrity virtue-signalling at its most laughably hypocritical? All these stars live in secure protected homes.
Piers Morgan has hit out at “hypocrite celebs” for backing the Defund The Police campaign (Image: ITV)
“Most of them employ expensive bodyguards or even full security details.
“It’s very easy for them to sit safely in their mansions and tell those who can’t afford such luxuries that they’ll be just fine without the police around. But the truth is they won’t.”
The ITV breakfast show host went on to highlight that he is disgusted by what happened to George Floyd and other victims, but believes “getting rid of the police altogether is frankly a “batsh*t crazy idea”.
He added: “I share the disgust at what happened to George Floyd, it was the single worst example of police brutality I’ve ever seen, and it demands real action now gets taken, not just yet more predictable exclamations of temporary horror.
Natalie Portman is not in Piers’ good books (Image: Getty Images)
“I also think the police must be dramatically, institutionally reformed.”
Following the death of 46-year-old George Floyd on May 25, many videos of police brutality have emerged online on several different social media platforms.
This has since sparked renewed support for the Defund the Police campaign, which has featured in protests across America in recent weeks and has also been echoed in the UK.
Actress Natalie Portman, 39, took to her official Instagram account to post a statement about why she is backing the campaign earlier this week.
George Floyd died after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis (Image: Internet Unknown)
The Hollywood A-lister said when she first discovered the campaign she “felt fear” as she said the police always made her feel safe.
She added: “I am grateful to the leaders in the @mvmnt4blklives who have made us question the status quo.
“And who have made us imagine, what a world could be like in which we invested in nourishing people; (in their education, healthcare, environment, shelter)— rather than putting all of our money into punishment.”
Natalie’s statement was backed by the likes of American actress Olivia Wilder and Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo.
George Floyd died after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis.
Chauvin has since been charged with second degree murder and manslaughter.
Three other officers involved in the incident have also been charged.
George’s funeral was attended by family and friends yesterday.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
