Another viewer noted his lack of respect for his colleague on-air: “You have no respect for @susannareid100 by doing this @piersmorgan as Susanna just wanted to do her job. A lack of class and respect for your colleague,” they slammed.
Piers once again reiterated his reasons behind the outburst: “I have tremendous respect for Susanna, she’s a brilliant journalist. I just didn’t want us to be forced to read out that Govt statement when they’re boycotting us,” he explained.
While he received enormous backlash for the on-air argument, there were those who agreed with his actions.
One said: “Good on you @piersmorgan if the government boycott #gmb then why should you have to voice their disclaimers! Let them come on and explain themselves!”
“100% agree with @piersmorgan if they’re gonna boycott your show don’t give there statements any airtime #gmb @GMB,” a second added.
The altercation was triggered by a statement from Minister for State at the Department for Health and Social Care Helen Whately, over her comments on student nurses.