Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard welcomed former The Apprentice star Ryan-Mark onto the show to discuss his idea koala fur should be sold for charity. However, many of those watching the show hit out at the star for his “disturbing” suggestion.
Susanna began: “You know, we’re there watching these terrible scenes on our screens, these poor creatures suffering and dying in these bushfires. Now you’re saying let’s use their fur.
“You know it’s kind of a sick idea isn’t it?”
“Well I don’t think it’s a sick idea because you have to take into account, the purpose of this, is to raise money for the animals in the rescue centres,” Ryan-Mark hit back.
“I’m not saying, I’m not going on this debate saying we need to slaughter koalas.
Susanna asked: “What kind of products would you make with the fur?”
“It will be fur products,” The Apprentice star continued. “It could be a scarf for example. It could be something someone could wear.”
Wendy Turner then cut in to ask: “Who would want to? It’s grotesque, it’s really grotesque.”
The debate sparked fury from viewers watching Good Morning Britain with many taking to Twitter to hit out at Ryan-Mark and his idea.
One viewer shared: “Are you for real? As soon as this is over people will start hunting Koalas!! This is a ridiculous concept! #gmb #savethekoalas.”
Another added: “#GMB I think this is disgusting they are already going extinct and you need to let them die and respect that!!
“This man is a horrible human being he is on the same level as trophies hunters!!”
A third continued: “So raise money for charity you want to sell koala fur??? Are you stupid??? #gmb.”
“#GMB Those koalas went through the most appalling deaths now skin them. Is he for real?!” someone else continued.
“Is his publicity waning now. What an insensitive idea. His thoughts are disturbing…”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6am.
