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Piers Morgan was riled up during today’s edition of Good Morning Britain when he and co-star Susanna Reid interviewed Conservative MP Helen Whately via live video link from her house in Faversham. During the conversation, the presenter asked the Care Minister about personal protective equipment, the staggering increase in care home workers deaths and frontline testing. But at one point he accused the guest of laughing.
“We’re doing everything we can to protect vulnerable people -“ Whately began but she was cut off by Morgan: “Well yes, I assume you are doing all that, but is it true that 4,000 people have died in care homes? Yes or no?”
“Well I’m glad you appreciate we are doing that, it’s really important to take the steps we can -“ Whatley attempted to answer but Morgan interrupted once more.
“No I’ll tell you what’s important is if you just answer straight questions – is it true that 4,000 people -“ Morgan probed but he became distracted as he asked: “Why are you laughing?”
Explaining her smirk was in reference to Morgan constantly interrupting her she said: “I’m coming to answer your questions but -“
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“Why are you laughing? What do you find funny about this?” Morgan hit back.
“I don’t think it’s funny in the slightest!” Whately defended but those watching at home saw the presenter ask again: “Then why do you keep laughing?”
“I’m not laughing at all,” Whately replied.
“I literally just asked you; is it true that 4,00 elderly people have died and all you can do is laugh! What is the matter with you?” Morgan slammed.
“I’m not laughing! Please don’t suggest for a minute I’m laughing -“ Whately asked.
“We literally just saw you laughing,” Morgan berated again.
“I have not been [laughing] but it feels like you are shouting at me and not giving me a chance to answer,” the guest replied.
“I have asked you a question three times now and you won’t answer it! Is it true – let me try one more time – is it true 4,000 people, elderly vulnerable people have died of coronavirus in our care homes?” Morgan asked.
“The data we have from the ONS – which is the source of data – has told us, up to April 3, 2017 people have died from coronavirus in care homes. I believe because I have been talking to care providers and representatives, and very sadly, very sadly, more people have died in care homes,” she explained.
Morgan interrupted: “How many?”
Whatley continued: “And we are working to make sure we have the data – but it’s important the data is accurate.”
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She also argued: “I think we’re in an incredibly serious situation – but that’s why having some kind of ping pong match going back and forth isn’t constructive.”
Those watching at home took to Twitter to discuss the interview and there was a mixed reaction.
One said: “Wow, that was awkward watching. #GMB.”
“@piersmorgan savages the health minister on @GMB when you face the Morganator you best have your facts right #GMB,” another argued.
Someone else wrote: “Car crash interview for @Helen_Whately by @piersmorgan on #gmb She really needs to lose that nervous tic of what definitely looks like insensitive smiling and sniggering.”
Another added: “B****y hell. I am sick and tired of listening to Piers Morgan shouting and talking over people just to try and make himself look good. The tv is under threat from a brick #GMB #weareallinthistogther.”
“Shut up and listen to the answer @piersmorgan your interviewing technique is terrible, you should be ashamed of yourself! Constantly talking over the answers and not taking in the details.
Your #gmb viewers deserve better!” another viewer commented.
As of 9am on 15 April, 398,916 tests have concluded, with 15,994 tests carried out on 14 April according to gov.uk.
313,769 people have been tested for coronavirus with 98,476 tested positive.
As of 5pm on 14 April, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus and have tragically 12,868 have died.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
