FURIOUS Good Morning Britain fans have slammed Richard Madeley for his “patronising” interview with a former teacher today.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, clashed with the host when he appeared on the show to discuss Wednesday’s teachers’ strikes.
Richard Madeley was accused of humiliating a teachers’ union rep on Good Morning Britain today
Former teacher Kevin Courtney was on the show to discuss Wednesday’s strikes
Richard, 66, who has long divided fans of GMB, was slammed by furious viewers of the show over his line of questioning.
He was criticised for “patronising” Kevin after slowing down his speech and pausing between each word.
He asked: “Did – you – tell – your – members – not – to – inform – head – teachers – if – they – were – going – on – strik -e today.
Richard then returned to his usual voice and said: “Yes, or no, Sir.”
Kevin replied: “We told them that they had the right to do that because we have obeyed every part of the very strong anti-union laws in this country and people who are going on strike to not have to inform the employer beforehand.
“We told teachers about that right.”
Richard added: “Isn’t it fair to let parents know if their school is going to be affected?”
Kevin responded: “We told headteachers how many members were in their school and we think they should have planned on that basis.”
GMB viewers flooded Twitter after the comment to complain that he was being “patronising”.
“Richard Madeley talking to this guy like he’s talking to a three year old made my blood boil,” one said.
Another raged: “Is anyone else feeling like #ITV #GMB victim blame? Why do they not hold the government to account for the strikes? It’s painful to watch.”
A third ranted: “Richard you are out of tune with the majority of parents! We support teachers who are supporting us! Disgraceful behaviour this morning”
And a fourth said: “GMB Never heard Richard Madley talk to ANYONE, the way that he just did to that Teachers Union Rep. Rude, biased, patronising, and plain unpleasant. I’ve switched off and will not watch anytime he is presenting in the future. Urghhhh!”
It comes after Richard was forced to apologise twice for misgendering Sam Smith and a Good Morning Britain guest on Monday.
