ITV forced to issue apology over Ed Balls’ behaviour on GMB following fierce backlash
A statement has been issuedITV bosses have been forced to step in following a controversial interview on Good Morning Britain.
The interview, which took place last week, saw Ed Balls branded “clueless”. Now ITV bosses are debating whether the star needs to apologise for his comments.
Ed Balls’ controversial GMB interview
Earlier this week, four Jewish volunteer ambulances were firebombed in an antisemitic attack in North London.
In the wake of the attack, antisemitism campaigner Dov Forman appeared on GMB for an interview. However, during the interview, Ed was accused of “whataboutery”, which saw him slammed.
“When you see last week the shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy singling out the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, for praying in Trafalgar Square in a Muslim group and saying that is wrong and shouldn’t happen, isn’t that the kind of intolerance and divisiveness which is causing problems in the Jewish community right now?” Ed said.
“I think the shadow justice secretary was going to a point that many people in this country feel about Islamist extremism,” Dov replied.
Ed Balls slammed
“I won’t get drawn into a debate about whether his words were right or wrong. We are here to talk about the antisemitic attack this morning in the Jewish community,” he then said.
“Certainly, we need to be careful with our words, but there are people – including many in the Jewish community – who are worried about the spread of Islamist extremism, which is running rampant.”
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The interview was blasted immediately by viewers. Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick took aim at Ed, branding him “clueless” and describing the interview as “deeply unpleasant”.
The Campaign for Media Standards also criticised the interview. They said viewers would expect “focused questions about the rise and threat of antisemitism in the UK’ following the incident, rather than a shift towards discussion of criticism of public Muslim prayer events.
“This isn’t balance or insight; it’s poor journalism that misses the point and dilutes the seriousness of antisemitism.”
ITV forced to step in
Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, a source has claimed that the backlash from the interview is being dealt with by ITV at “the very top”.
It is reportedly being discussed whether Ed should issue an apology for his comments.
A spokesperson for GMB apologised, saying: “The intention behind Ed’s question was to ask whether a culture of intolerance was placing Jews at greater risk of harm in the UK. We regret any misunderstanding and apologise for any offence caused.”
TV Guide has contacted ITV for comment.
GMB airs on weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
