Former Apprentice contestant and Daily Star columnist Ryan-Mark Parsons has admitted that he hasn’t hesitated in “blocking” friends who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Ryan-Mark got into a heated argument with social commentator Joanne Jarjue who insisted that she didn’t want to take the jab, and that “civil liberties” shouldn’t be removed for those who refuse it.
But Ryan-Mark dismissed that viewpoint entirely, branding it “garbage”.
“I’ve had this conversation with many friends, and I’m willing to cut contact with people if they’re not willing to get out there, get the jab and protect others from this virus,” Ryan-Mark told presenters Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins.
“I have blocked my friends if they’re not willing to get the jab,” he admitted. “As far as I’m concerned, they are dead wood.”
(Image: ITV)
Asked if he thought unvaccinated people should be allowed to enjoy concerts and go to restaurants, Ryan-Mark continued: “They should be punished. They cannot enjoy the same civil liberties as everyone else if they’re not willing to do their part to protect the country.”
He added that he’ll be taking his jab “as soon as he’s invited”.
“It’s beyond boring now listening to under-30s sanctimoniously preaching from their high horse because they think they’re immune from the virus and that they don’t have to do their bit to protect others from this virus,” Ryan-Mark elaborated.
He branded anti-vax sentiments “philosophical junk” that “must be stopped”.
(Image: ITV)
Even Lord Sugar, who Ryan-Mark attempted to impress with his business acumen during series 15 of The Apprentice, rushed to social media to show his support, tweeting: “Well said Ryan-Mark on @GMB.”
Viewers, however, were divided on his sentiments, with one writing: “What happened to personal choice?”
But someone else agreed with Ryan-Mark, as they posted: “I so agree with this fella. Well said Ryan, I’m with you all the way.”
Ryan-Mark had warned ahead of time that there would be a “fiery debate” during his appearance on Good Morning Britain, posting to his social media: “Back on [GMB] tomorrow. Get ready for a fiery debate.”
(Image: Ryan-Mark Parsons)
Meanwhile, social commentator Joanna proposed: “I just feel that when I look at what’s happening globally with all the variants, instead of imposing rules on under-30s, we should be making sure that more variants aren’t developing in other countries.
“People who have been vaccinated over here, it could turn out that the virus could mutate to a point where the vaccine that you’re taking doesn’t work anyway,” she added.
Richard Madeley was quick to point out that booster jabs will likely be made available in the future if that does become a reality.
It isn’t Ryan-Mark’s first appearance on GMB – he has popped up before during a debate about selling dead koala fur to raise money for charity last year.
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Ryan-Mark was all up for selling the fur if it meant being able to help other animals.
The columnist shot to fame after his appearance on The Apprentice, where he was eventually fired “with regret” in Week Eight.
He was the youngest ever contestant to take part in 2019 since the show began in 2005, aged just 19.
Since then, he has appeared on various shows including Celebrity Eating with my Ex, and has made numerous radio appearances.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
