'Shouldn't be asked!' ITV under fire over 'brutal' questions posed to The Assembly guest Stephen Fry
Fans were not happyThe Assembly viewers were left shocked by the questions Stephen Fry faced during the series 2 premiere.
The hit ITV show made it’s return to our screens last night (April 8), as actor and comedian, Stephen Fry appeared as the first guest. But from the very first question, it was clear he had no clue what to expect.
Fans were left jaw-dropped as they heard what was being asked. And many felt that ITV shouldn’t have actually allowed it to happen.
Stephen Fry faced brutal questions on The Assembly
Straight from question one, Stephen was hit by extremely personal questions, with the first interviewer asking if he was now “happy to be alive” following his suicide attempts.
But it was the second question that stunned everyone. After giving advice on how to find a husband, Stephen was asked: “Are you a top or a bottom?”
However, he took it in great spirits, bursting out laughing in shock. He responded: “Wow. That is as direct as it gets. But I am going to leave that a mystery for the people to guess. Thank you for raising a very important point. There is ‘V’ in the middle is there not, for ‘versatile’.”
Then, thinking that was as hard as the questions were going to get, Stephen was asked: “How much have you spent on cocaine?” once again leaving him shocked.
Stephen took a moment to think about how best to answer the question. He responded: “You’ve got me there. There was a period where I was an addict. In those days, it was £60 a gram. I probably wasted thousands.”
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He went on to explain he had a dealer after a friend had offered him some drugs. When he was asked if he was still using drugs, he assured the group he wasn’t and that he “wouldn’t recommend” anyone ever take drugs.
Stephen explained: “I appreciate we are all grown up about it. We all understand there are reasons why people want to do it. But we can maybe find a better answer. In the world, the most important thing is to be effective, not to be right. To find a way to solve a problem.”
Fans complain about ITV allowing it to happen
However, while Stephen answered all the questions with complete honesty and openness, many fans felt it shouldn’t have been allowed on TV.
Taking to social media after the episode aired, fans complained that Stephen was faced with too many “brutal” questions.
One penned: “Did they really just ask Stephen Fry whether he preferred giving or receiving?”
Another added: “Whilst some elements of The Assembly are funny, I think some questions shouldn’t be asked and are far too personal. ITV have used people’s special needs as a way of covering themselves.”
“These questions are absolutely brutal. Fair play” a third commented. Another added: “Stephen Fry looked very nervous through most of this. He got the most brutal questions I have seen yet on this show.”
While others simply wanted to applaud Stephen for the way he handled all of the questions so well.
A viewer penned: “Tonight’s The Assembly was pure magic. Stephen Fry handled everything with such warmth and grace. Even when they got cheeky and asked if he was a top or bottom. A brilliant mix of chaos, wit and deeply moving honesty. TV at its best.”
“Come on. This is hands down the best chat show on TV. Congratulations to the interviewees for respecting the spirit of the show. But, my word. How wonderful are the young people asking the questions? The query, are you a top or a bottom is the TV moment of the year,” another commented.
A third penned: “So impressed with Stephen Fry and his answers to the deep questions. What a great programme.”
With series two just at the start, fans can brace themselves for even more deep questions for famous faces.
