GMB viewers have accused Richard Madeley of “victim shaming” a survivor of spiking.
The host, 65, came under fire after he asked a female guest if she had “taken precautions”.
What happened with Richard Madeley on GMB this morning?
Richard and co-host Susanna Reid discussed the horrifying new spiking trend on this morning’s edition of the breakfast show (Thursday, October 21).
‘Spiking’ means injection with unknown substances via needles in clubs.
Read more: Richard Madeley slammed for being ‘disrespectful’ to female guest on GMB
To help with the discussion, they welcomed Jemma Wolstenholme – a young woman who had been the victim of spiking.
Along with her mum, she described her horrific experience.
Subsequently, Richard asked: “But had you been taking precautions?”
“Had you kept your hand on it?”
He continued: “Had you, obviously you’re aware of the risk of drinks being spiked, had you been trying to protect your drink?
“Had you kept your hand over it? Had you kept it with you, do you remember that?”
Jemma responded: “Yeah, well it’s sort of second nature now because we have been told for so long that we should be careful who is near our drinks.
“So if I did leave it, it was left with my friend and it was ‘Watch my drink’.”
@richardm56 sounded like victim blaming, asking if she took precautions. You wouldn’t ask that of someone who was physically attacked, or house was burgled #gmb
— Hannah (@hannmrfitz) October 21, 2021
First Richard assumes the bloke on the TV is police commissioner, now he’s interrogating a girl about how careful she was protecting her drink even tho she was spike injected. #GMB
— Lu (@LuluuMaize) October 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/nowMrsMFL/status/1451074241290506242
How did viewers react to the interview?
Viewers soon took to Twitter to register their dismay at Richard’s line of questioning.
One wrote: “@richardm56 sounded like victim blaming, asking if she took precautions.
“You wouldn’t ask that of someone who was physically attacked, or house was burgled #gmb.”
Read more: GMB today: Richard Madeley divides viewers as he hosts
Another said: “Of course Richard Madeley is having a go at the young girl who was spiked asking her ‘what precautions did you take? Did you watch your drink?’
“Susannah finally interrupts him and says it’s not her fault. Argh. #GMB”
A third commented: “First Richard assumes the bloke on the TV is police commissioner, now he’s interrogating a girl about how careful she was protecting her drink even tho she was spike injected. #GMB.”
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