GMB guest refuses to answer 'unprofessional' Richard Madeley query as fans fume

Good Morning Britain turned awkward on Monday morning when one guest refused to answer Richard Madeley’s question about communism.

Though there were mixed responses, certain GMB viewers slammed the line of questioning as “unprofessional,” sensing the discomfort from the guest, who was a scientist.

The presenter, who joined Susanna Reid in the studio, spoke with Professor Susan Michie on the show, debating “should we ditch masks?”

Dividing opinion, the debate arose after WHO announced masks should continue to be worn to curb the spread of the Delta variant, following the July 19 lifting of restrictions.

SAGE behavioural psychologist Susan shared her views on the science behind the spread of Covid, but Richard decided to take a new approach to the interview.

Madeley brought up Michie’s political leanings, announcing the scientist was a member of the Communist Party.

He said: “There’s a point I really have to put to you. You’ll be aware of this because there’s been a lot of commentary about this in the British media about you.

“It’s to do with your politics, and you know I’m going to ask you. You’ve been a member of the Communist Party for about 40 years now, you’re still a member.”

He went on: “We know that communism is basically statist. We look at communist countries around the world and we see that they are tremendously top-down, dominant and control societies that they rule over.

“I just wonder, and I’m putting this question on behalf of those who wonder about your politics, if your politics actually informs your sense of control. It’s not just the medical argument, but you have a political bent to want the state to tell people what to do.”

Susan refused to answer the question and completely shut Richard down, pointing out other scientists don’t have to defend their political leanings on the show.

She replied: “I’ve come on your programme as a scientist, as do all people who come on your programme as scientists. They come on to talk about the evidence, relevant theories, how we approach scientific disciplines. And you don’t ask other scientists about politics. So I’m very happy to speak about science, which is what my job is, and limit it to that.”

Meanwhile, over on Twitter, certain viewers expressed their disdain over the line of questioning, with one branding the move as a “low blow” for Madeley.

One said: “Did Richard Madeley just question a qualified professor in science that her professional opinion was based on her being a member of the Communist Party?”

And a second penned: “I don’t agree with Susan Michie, but asking a scientist about their politics seems a bit of a low blow. Don’t your politics inform how you present the programme and question your guests Richard?”

“Richard madeley was totally unprofessional this morning,” added a third.

After Susan refused to answer the question, Richard followed up with another query, attempting to clarify her point of view.

He wondered: “You’re saying that your politics doesn’t inform your opinion on this subject?”

Susan hit back: “I’m saying that I agreed to come on this programme as a scientist, and I’m very happy to talk to you about the issues that you’re raising, as a scientist. Which is the same for other scientists that you invite onto the programme.”

At that point, Richard agreed to back down, and changed the subject completely, turning to his second guest, YouTuber Dominique Samuels.

Richard finished: “That’s a perfectly fair answer, thank you for that.”

Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk