Charlie Kirk Segment on GMB Sparks Viewer Backlash and Ofcom Complaints — Debate Turns Into Firestorm
It started like any other debate. Then one line shifted the tone — fast, sharp, and impossible to rewind. What followed wasn’t just noise. It was the kind of reaction that doesn’t stay on screen
Good Morning Britain has been hit with further Ofcom complaints over Kevin Maguire’s controversial comments about political activist Charlie Kirk
Good Morning Britain has been hit with Ofcom complaints over Kevin Maguire’s comments about Charlie Kirk. 164 complaints were lodged against an episode of the ITV programme which aired on September 17. Viewers were particularly outraged by Kevin, who described Kirk as “far-right” during a debate which came days after the political activist was murdered. Presenter Susanna Reid immediately cut in, declaring: “Far right is a little extreme Kevin, right-wing agitator”. Each time Kevin repeated his claim, Susanna challenged him, saying she “doesn’t think that’s true” as she attempted to steer the discussion back to a neutral ground. The host added: “I don’t think you know the nature of all the people who back him.”
Richard Madeley interjected, saying: “Mind our language, when a man, a young father, whatever you think of his political statements of the past, when he dies in such a horrendous manner, we have to watch how we speak.” Kevin went on to argue that Kirk, known for his “prove me wrong” campus debate tours across the US, was also a “hate preacher”. The “vile” and “disgusting” remarks sparked outrage from viewers, who slammed the journalist on X.
One raged: “@GMB How can you let that disgusting Labour far left mouthpiece Kevin Maguire on your show after his disgusting remarks about Charlie Kirk ? No wonder your ratings are falling, Remember you reap what you sow.”
Another fumed: “You are disgusting and vile. You are aggressive and have a massive chip on your shoulder. You are a hard left. Your comments about Charlie Kirk were evil and you should be sacked. All you lefties are the problem and are dangerous, jealous and bitter.” A third echoed: “Your comments about Charlie Kirk were total lies and absolutely disgusting!!”
Good Morning Britain wasn’t the only show to face the wrath of viewers as Ofcom received 53 complaints about Gogglebox. The complaints related to an episode which aired on 19 September, featuring the cast discussing the Unite the Kingdom rally on 13 September in central London.
Led by Tommy Robinson, 150,000 demonstrators descended on the capital in what was described as the largest free speech rally the country has seen.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University (Image: Getty)
Among those who shared their thoughts were Jenny and Lee. “It just goes to show that people are worried about it and our government has got to sort it,” Jenny said as Lee chimed in: “Well, I don’t think this has united the nation. This is just thuggery.”
Alfie fumed: “For f*** sake. Anything anti-migrant, Tommy Robinson is at the front,” before claiming that protestors “lied” about wanting a peaceful demonstration as he sat alongside Andrew.
Meanwhile, Helena told her parents: “When will people work out that immigrants aren’t the problem? My brain can’t understand that level of tribalism.”
The majority of the Ofcom complaints concerned the coverage of the march, which many felt was biased.
Taking to X, one hit out: “@Channel4 I will not be watching this ever again. You labelled everyone thugs, we are not,” as a second echoed: “@C4Gogglebox What’s going on with #Gogglebox? Keep poxy politics out of the programme! If I hear left right blah blah once more! It used to be a fun show, not a political views show… It’s starting to lose its appeal… sadly.”