Piers Morgan has been condemned for making “misogynistic” and “disgraceful” comments to his Good Morning Britain co-star Charlotte Hawkins.
Amid controversy over the presenter’s recent remarks regarding Meghan Markle’s mental health, Morgan has attracted renewed criticism after commenting on Hawkins “arriving to work in a mini skirt”.
On today’s episode of GMB (9 March), Morgan said that the “first sign of summer” is Hawkins’s choice of attire.
“The first sign of summer traditionally atGood Morning Britain has been Charlotte Hawkins arriving in a mini skirt for work,” said the presenter, who then instructed Hawkins to “get up”.
As the camera panned to her legs, Hawkins responded: “It’s just a dress honestly. It’s just a dress,” to which Morgan retorted: “It’s not a dress, is it? That’s not a dress. No, it’s not.”
“I don’t know why you’re getting so overexcited because I’m wearing a dress,” said Hawkins as she took her seat again. “We like to embrace a bit of sunshine.” Morgan then responded: “Am I complaining?”
The clip has since gone viral on social media with the presenter’s remarks being described as “cruel and unnecessary misogyny”.
“He clearly made her and others in that workplace feel uncomfortable with his inappropriate comments,” wrote one user.
Someone else added: “Seriously? That is blatant misogynistic behaviour and classic bullyboy tactic to make the other person feel self conscious. How does he get away [with] it time and again!”
“I don’t understand why he is allowed to be so sexist and racist on TV and ITV and GMB are just allowing it,” said a third person.
Many people took the opportunity to double down on calls for ITV to fire Morgan after he “cast aspersions” on Markle’s mental health.
RELATED: ITV responds to viewer backlash over Piers Morgan’s Meghan Markle comments
Another person said: “That’s actually disgraceful from @piersmorgan and @GMB needs to sack him for his unacceptable misogyny!”
Someone else commented: “Why aren’t they firing him?”, while another wrote: “@piersmorgan you need to go for psychological counseling. The way you treated your co-host is maddening. What she wears has nothing to do with you.”
ITV recently responded to backlash from viewers accusing the broadcaster of “allowing” Morgan a platform to spread “hateful commentary”.
The Independent has contacted a representative for GMB for comment.
