Piers Morgan has defended a live interview he conducted with care minister Helen Whately, which sparked more than 600 complaints to Ofcom, saying it was not as “uncomfortable” as the conditions for the carers on the front line of the coronavirus crisis.
During an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Morgan asked Ms Whately for the number of health workers and care workers who have died from the illness.
The interview became increasingly animated, with some viewers accusing Morgan of “bullying” the politician. However, others praised him for “demanding answers”.
A spokeswoman for Ofcom said the regulator has received 643 complaints about the interview.
‘We don’t have a figure for that’ – Helen Whately @piersmorgan questions the Care Minister over the number of healthcare workers that have died on the front line from the coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/VFcqFJX5SE
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) April 15, 2020
Ms Whately told Morgan: “Your focus on figures slightly belies the fact we are talking about individual people’s lives here.”
The presenter interjected: “I just asked you how many health workers and care workers have died from coronavirus on the front line; do you know the answer?”
She replied: “The latest information we have for NHS workers is that 19 NHS workers have very sadly died.”
Morgan again interjected to say that figure is “complete and utter nonsense”.
ITV shared a clip of the interview online, where one viewer replied: “He bullied her to such an extent I turned it off. I gave you a second chance after the bullying questioning yesterday of the minister.
He bullied her to such an extent i turned it off. I gave you a second chance after the bullying questioning yesterday of the minister. If you ask a question we need to hear the answer. I dont need to hear Piers Morgan's interpretation of the answer.
— Deborah (@jfdta) April 15, 2020
“If you ask a question we need to hear the answer. I don’t need to hear Piers Morgan’s interpretation of the answer.”
Another replied: “I have complained again to Ofcom. That was a disgusting interview the poor woman was bullied. I am disgusted the producers allowed the interview to continue. So embarrassing to watch.”
I have complained again to Ofcom. That was a disgusting interview the poor woman was bullied. I am disgusted the producers allowed the interview to continue. So embarrassing to watch.
— Brenda Diggins (@Stressedcat) April 15, 2020
However, another viewer said: “The only program holding these ministers to account, keep up the good work.”
The only program holding these ministers to account , keep up the good work
— buck dodgerz (@BDodgerz) April 15, 2020
Another replied: “Can’t praise @piersmorgan enough for the way he has demanded answers to admittedly tough questions through this pandemic.
“Expecting politicians to know numbers and answer questions isn’t really asking much.”
Can’t praise @piersmorgan enough for the way he has demanded answers to admittedly tough questions through this pandemic.Expecting politicians to know numbers and answer questions isn’t really asking much .
— Paul Chappel (@chapter1971) April 15, 2020
Morgan wrote on Twitter: “Apparently some people found my interview with Care minister @Helen_Whately today ‘uncomfortable’.
“For perspective, it probably wasn’t quite as ‘uncomfortable’ as what our under-protected NHS & carer frontline heroes are going through.”
Apparently some people found my interview with Care minister @Helen_Whately today 'uncomfortable'.For perspective, it probably wasn't quite as 'uncomfortable' as what our under-protected NHS & carer frontline heroes are going through.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 15, 2020
When one viewer accused him of “trying to embarrass a woman”, he replied: “Ahhhh, of course… I was being sexist! Just for the record, I don’t care what gender Govt ministers are, but I do care if they refuse to answer questions or start laughing when being asked about very serious matters.”
One thing that's surely obvious from my excruciating @GMB exchanges with Care minister Helen Whately today is that she is completely out of her depth & should be replaced by a heavyweight minister who can better handle the mounting & devastating care home #coronavirus crisis. pic.twitter.com/etFbF75b5p
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 15, 2020
He later added: “One thing that’s surely obvious from my excruciating @GMB exchanges with Care minister Helen Whately today is that she is completely out of her depth & should be replaced by a heavyweight minister who can better handle the mounting & devastating care home #coronavirus crisis.”
A spokeswoman for Ofcom said: “We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”
Ms Whately also made appearances on BBC Breakfast and Sky News before the interview with Morgan on GMB.