GOOD Morning Britain star Richard Madeley has been slammed for questioning why rape is a weapon of war.
The 65-year-old, who returned to the show today, was discussing shocking allegations of Russian troops committing possible war crimes against civilians in occupied areas of Chernigiv, Kharkiv and Kyiv, including rape.
Richard and Kate Garraway, who is stepping in for Susanna Reid, were joined by Chip Chapman, Former Senior British Adviser to US central command to discuss the ongoing issue.
Richard asked him: “Chip, we’ve said something that was widely reported this morning that rape was used as a weapon of war. How exactly is rape a weapon of war?”
Chip replied: “Well, it’s just trying to impose some sort of will upon the enemy as it’s mentioned in the Second World War, it’s absolutely horrific.
“And if you’ve got compromised morality […] with those with weapons you’ve got a lethal combination for the future. It’s absolutely disgraceful and people need to be taken to account.”
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Those watching at home were very surprised by Richard’s question, with many viewers branding it “stupid”.
One person wrote: “Richard Madeley @GMB ‘how exactly is rape a weapon of war’ Seriously? Insensitivity, stupidness and idiocy have long been hallmarks of Madeley, it’s high time this absolute halfwit was despatched, I’ve never known a presenter ask such stupid questions #GMB.”
A second added: “Richard Madeley. After asking how rape is a war crime why is he still on air? How is this not a career ending moment? #GMB #goodmorningbritain.”
While at third moaned: “Dickie “how is rape a weapon of war”? Moron – why #gmb have you got that idiot still asking questions on your once great morning show – bring in @MartinSLewis or @adilray anyone is better than that ignorant, lightweight fluff!”
Yesterday Melinda Simmons, Britain’s ambassador to Ukraine, blasted: “Rape is a weapon of war. Though we don’t yet know the full extent of its use in Ukraine, it’s already clear it was part of an arsenal.
“Women raped in front of their kids, girls in front of their families, as a deliberate act of subjugation. Rape is a war crime.”
