Good Morning Britain viewers claimed they switched off over the coverage of Will Smith's attack at the 2022 Academy Awards.
Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley fronted today's edition of the ITV news programme. The two covered the dramatic moment from last night's Oscars ceremony when the Best Actor winner attacked Chris Rock.
Will Smith stormed the stage and slapped the comedian after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hair loss. Susanna was shocked by the footage and branded the incident as assault.
READ MORE: Good Morning Britain fans baffled by Liam Payne's interview on Will Smith Oscars slap
She said: "I'm really struck by how many are defending it now and I bet in 24 hours they will have changed their view. That was an assault that we watched live on television."
Susanna later added: "It's not OK. It's not OK to hit someone in the face. I find it extraordinary that there is any justification for it."
Her co-host played devil's advocate - and suggested Chris Rock didn't understand the sensitivity of the topic.
Richard said: "I bring that forward as possible evidence. I'm not justifying what [Will Smith] did. I think you've just saw a human mistake unfurling live on television."
The coverage of the shocking moment dominated today's episode as the broadcasters anchored a discussion with Leigh Francis and Hayley Mills to get their reaction to the incident. However, some viewers following the show on Twitter said the heavy focus on the incident was "unnecessary".
@RyanG_Jesy said: "Has to switch off #GMB TOO much unnecessary coverage of #WillSmith at the #Oscars."
@Kyeane posted: "Why is @GMB doing a whole show on Will Smith hitting Chris Rock;"
Jen commented : "Just had to switch off its on a loop about the b****y Oscars and Will Smith punching that comedian"
Becca tweeted: "Had to switch off. Absolutely OTT reaction. The whole show did not need to be about The Oscars"
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV Hub
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