ITV's Susanna Reid issues apology as GMB guest makes inappropriate gesture live on-air

During Monday's (February 24) broadcast of Good Morning Britain, host Susanna Reid had to step in with an apology after a guest made an "inappropriate gesture" live on air.

Susanna and co-host Richard Madeley were interviewing war correspondent John Sweeney, who was reporting directly from Kyiv, Ukraine, detailing the profound impact of the conflict on civilians and soldiers alike.

John shared an encounter with a man who had tragically lost two arms and a leg, describing how doctors crafted innovative tech for the man to control a plastic arm using his muscles.

When asked about his view on Russian President Vladimir Putin, John mimicked the response he received, which involved making a three-finger salute on-air, followed by flipping the middle finger as he discussed their meeting in a health centre. John admitted: "And he gave Putin the finger. It made me cry."

Immediately recognising the implications of the gesture, Susanna swiftly issued an apology to the audience: "I understand that you felt, personally, the power of that. We do have to apologise for that gesture on breakfast television. It's still considered a highly offensive gesture, John, and of course, there are children watching," reports the Manchester Evening News.

John sincerely responded: "I'm very sorry, Susanna, I'm an old war reporter, sometimes I forget where I am."

Richard commended John on his swift apology, and Susanna added: "We know you're in the middle of a war-torn country in Ukraine and sometimes, of course, strong things are said, John."

Viewers of the programme wasted no time flooding X (once known as Twitter) with their candid responses to the apology, with several venting their irritation: "Ummmm another stupid apology? Come on woke #gmb ridiculous."

One person sarcastically remarked on the show's content choices, pointing out a perceived double standard: "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."

A frustrated viewer directed their tweet at the show, highlighting global concerns over media priorities: "@GMB #GMB Incredible! Putin and his stooge Trump are trying to get their grubby hands on Ukraine, and all you can do is get worked up over a hand gesture!! Get real!!"

Another supporter chimed in, reflecting on the apparent absurdity of the situation: "Prim and 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'."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am