Richard Madeley has been branded a “disrespectful arrogant little oaf” after dismissing Sir David Attenborough as “just a broadcaster” during a heated debate on climate change protests. The Good Morning Britain stand-in made the comment while interviewing Dr Gail Bradbook, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, on Tuesday’s show.
Dr Bradbook, visibly emotional, cited Sir David’s warnings about civilisation collapse. “Sir David Attenborough said the collapse of this civilisation could happen soon,” she said. Madeley interrupted, saying: “Well he’s not a saint you know. He’s just a broadcaster.” He repeated the phrase when Dr Bradbook tried to continue.
Viewers were outraged, with many demanding an apology. One tweeted: “David Attenborough is NOT ‘just’ a broadcaster... He is a living legend and should be listened to at all costs!” Another wrote: “Sir David Attenborough is JUST A BROADCASTER? Are you serious? Richard, don't confuse broadcasters (you) with one of the most learned, informed, experienced and truly great men who have ever walked this earth.”
Sir David, 92, holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge and 32 honorary degrees. He recently warned humans “cannot go on making mistakes” as we are “poisoning and boiling” the seas. Environmentalists are pushing for urgent government action on climate change.
