Richard Madeley blasted for ‘disgraceful’ treatment of GMB co-star

Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley has been criticised by livid viewers for his ‘rude and disrespectful’ treatment of his ITV co-star.

Richard fronted the daytime news programme with co-host Kate Garraway on Wednesday, and the pair were joined in the studio by newsreader Marverine Cole.

In a discussion on new police guidance aimed at curbing online misinformation, Marverine was repeatedly interrupted by Richard as she spoke about racial stereotyping.

‘People of non-white backgrounds are [seen as] “troublemakers” whether they are asylum seekers or not,’ Marverine said.

Being spoken over by Richard, she continued: ‘That is a narrative that never was around when I was younger.’

As Marverine tried to expand her point, Richard interrupted, saying: ‘But the more you withhold that information, when it is released or when it leaks out it has much more impact because it’s a rarity.

‘If you actually, completely lift the lid on this and are open every single time somebody is accused, arrested or charged.

‘If you’re open about who they are, where they’re from, you reduce the impact of the rare occasions when it leaks or leaks inaccurately.’

Marverine maintained her composure while Richard spoke, before offering her reply.

‘I appreciate that, but it goes hand in hand with a rhetoric which is across the country now which is, “It’s got to be a black person, it’s got to be an asylum seeker who has done this hideous thing, and if it is we’re going to kick off as a nation. If it is a white person then it’s okay”.’

Viewers of the popular show were left furious after footage of the heated debate was aired, and rushed to social media to express their disdain.

‘Richard Madeley is disgracefully ignorant,’ wrote one. ‘A black woman is talking about her own lived experiences that the effect online misinformation has on her as a black woman and he’s loudly and constantly talking over her. He’s awful.’

Another agreed, saying: ‘Just get rid of Richard Madeley. He’s bad for viewing numbers! A national embarrassment.’

‘I wish Madeley would stop talking over Marverine, so bloody rude,’ a third added.

Many pointed out the irony of Richard’s interruptions, given the context of the discussion.

‘Richard Madeley proving her point exactly by being very dismissive,’ wrote one, while another added: ‘And completely talked over by Madeley, and ignored at the end… proving her point.’

Even fans of Richard highlighted what they saw as dismissive behaviour. 

One said: ‘I like Richard Madeley but he has virtually dismissed everything Marverine Cole has just said, and virtually blanked her, and shown no interest in what she just said.’

‘This is deeply disturbing,’ said another outraged commenter. ‘To watch a black woman who is articulating a lived experience being talked over by her ITV colleague who is dismissing her concerns.

‘I am also surprised that Kate is just sitting there in silence. This is what black people have to face in Britain today.’

Others praised Marverine’s handling of the situation. ‘Bravo Marverine Cole putting Richard Madeley back in his bloody box,’ one person wrote. ‘What an ignorant buffoon he is.’

A second echoed the sentiment: ‘Why is Richard Madeley being allowed to talk over and talk down to the only black woman on the panel?

‘He might learn a thing or two by actually listening to her instead of trying to speak louder than her.’

Another watcher wrote online: ‘Every time I switch on to GMB in the morning and see Richard Madeley, I switch OFF.

‘Constantly talking over guests and being rude under the guise of it being “journalism”.

‘Marverine looked incredibly uncomfortable, how the hell do the producers allow this type of behaviour?’

Another said: ‘Quite eye opening the way ignoramus Richard Madeley was talking over Marverine Cole trying to get a point across about racial identity.’

‘White man talks over a black woman invited on to a show to answer questions specifically about black people’s lived experience,’ said one person.

‘Classic, white men always know best clearly…kind of demonstrates everything you need to know about white supremacy in the UK.’

And Richard is not the only Good Morning Britain presenter to have rubbed viewers up entirely the wrong way.

Days ago, watchers let rip at Adil Ray, 51, and Kate Garraway, 58, slamming the co-hosts as ‘useless’ and ‘boring’.

Watchers have blasted the pair for ‘annoying’ habits – claiming that Adil is a ‘rage baiter’ who deliberately provokes guests and Kate frequently interrupts speakers.

Taking to social media to express their outrage, otherwise loyal viewers said their irritation had forced them to change channels.

‘I can’t watch it when Adil Ray is on,’ wrote a disgruntled watcher. ‘It’s been going downhill for years – not many decent presenters on there now.’

Another agreed, writing: ‘It’s time Adil Ray was put out to pasture. I turn off when I see him. Everything that comes out of his mouth is so predictable. It’s just so boring.’

A third chimed in: ‘So, you’ve got Adil Ray, he’s pretty contentious on a good day, and Kate the cackling gob on. The day just gets better and better!

‘Surely to god you can get better presenters than that or are these the only ones prepared to get out of bed early?’

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 from 6am and is available to stream on ITVX