Good Morning Britain was thrown into an awkward moment on Monday morning when host Susanna Reid was forced to apologize
after a veteran war reporter made an offensive gesture live on air.
The unexpected incident unfolded during a discussion about the ongoing war in Ukraine, leaving both the hosts and viewers stunned.
Live Report from Kyiv Takes an Unexpected Turn
During Monday’s episode of the ITV morning show, Susanna Reid, 54, was joined by co-host Richard Madeley as they spoke with veteran journalist John Sweeney,
who was reporting live from Kyiv. The discussion came at a critical moment,
following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement that he would be willing to resign if it meant securing peace or NATO membership for Ukraine.
Sweeney, wearing his signature orange beanie, was speaking about the latest developments in the conflict, including Russia’s latest bombardment of Ukraine and the impact on soldiers injured in the war. The conversation took a sudden turn when Madeley asked him about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine.
Reporter’s Reaction Stuns Hosts
Sweeney did not hold back in his criticism of Trump’s recent comments about Ukraine, calling them “disgusting.” He then turned his attention to a rehabilitation clinic where injured Ukrainian soldiers were being fitted with prosthetic limbs.
As footage aired of soldiers testing out their new bionic limbs, Sweeney recounted a powerful moment he had witnessed.
“There’s a bloke there that has lost both arms and one leg and so he’s got two plastic hands,” Sweeney explained. “And I said, ‘What do you think about Trump?'”
Before finishing his thought, he hesitated, adding: “I don’t want to swear.”
However, he continued, describing how the injured soldier responded: “He said, ‘Wait, wait, wait’—and he gave Putin the finger. And it made me cry.”
At that moment, Sweeney demonstrated the gesture himself, briefly raising his middle finger in front of the camera.
Susanna Reid Issues an On-Air Apology
The unexpected hand gesture left Susanna Reid momentarily stunned before she quickly regained composure. Aware that the program airs during breakfast hours and is watched by families, she promptly issued an apology.
“Oh,” she said, visibly surprised, before addressing the audience. “I understand that you felt, personally, the power of that. But we do have to apologise for that gesture on breakfast TV. It is still considered a highly offensive gesture, John, and of course, there are children watching.”
Sweeney, realizing his mistake, quickly apologized. “I am very sorry, Susanna,” he responded. “I am an old war reporter—and sometimes I forget where I am.”
Richard Madeley then stepped in to smooth over the situation, telling Sweeney: “Well, you’ve apologised now.”
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
The incident sparked a wave of reactions from viewers, with many taking to social media to express their thoughts. Some found the apology unnecessary, given the context of the conversation, while others understood the need for professionalism on morning television.
One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) questioned whether they had missed something, writing: “Did I miss an unfortunate hand gesture?”
Another person criticized Reid’s response, stating: “Prim & proper Susanna Reid tells off John Sweeney over a Ukrainian soldier who had lost multiple limbs in the war for using his prosthetic hand to make a ‘finger gesture’.”
A third viewer pointed out the irony in the situation: “Show men with arms and legs blown off and describe that in detail, show the devastation caused by war but DO NOT under any circumstances show the bird. There are children watching. They can handle people being blown up but no hurty hand signs.”
Boris Johnson’s Surprise Arrival in Kyiv
Amid the chaos of the segment, Sweeney also mentioned that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had just arrived in Kyiv. As the camera briefly shifted, Johnson was seen in the background, and Sweeney suggested he would attempt to secure an interview with him before Good Morning Britain wrapped up for the day.
This added yet another unexpected element to an already eventful broadcast, as Johnson’s presence in Ukraine was not widely publicized beforehand.
A Morning of Unexpected Moments
Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain proved to be anything but routine. From a surprising on-air gesture to a last-minute appearance by Boris Johnson, the show was filled with unplanned moments that kept both hosts and viewers on their toes.
While John Sweeney’s hand gesture may have sparked controversy, it also highlighted the raw emotions surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine. For many, his story about the injured soldier’s defiant act served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those affected by the conflict.
Nonetheless, Susanna Reid’s swift apology ensured that the show maintained its professionalism—proving once again that anything can happen on live television.
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