GMB sparks backlash as they repeatedly show controversial Charlotte Dujardin clip
Good Morning Britain sparked backlash with the broadcast of an "exclusive" clip depicting a horse being mistreated, causing uproar among ITV viewers.
During Wednesday's (July 24) show, Richard Madeley returned to anchor the show alongside Charlotte Hawkins. The duo delved into pressing news stories from the UK and around the globe, but it was the distressing footage of Charlotte Dujardin "whipping horse 24 times like circus elephant" that captured their attention.
Dujardin, a member of Team GB, has pulled out of the upcoming Paris Olympic games following accusations of whipping a horse. The 39-year-old dressage champion, who boasts six Olympic medals, seemed to hit the animal multiple times during a training session, leaving viewers in shock.
However, the repeated airing of the disturbing video on the programme sparked concern from Good Morning Britain's fans, who pleaded for the clip to be pulled. Additionally, some pointed out the lack of a prior warning before the footage was played repeatedly.
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GMB Fans were annoyed that the video was shown so many times (Image: ITV)Disgruntled viewers took to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their displeasure. One viewer commented: "Please stop showing that awful animal cruelty video without warnings.", reports the Mirror. Another remarked: "No need to keep showing the video #gmb."
Echoing the sentiment, a third chimed in: "F*****g hell again with the video, why is this cruel s***e the biggest story today fgs #GMB."
Another viewer expressed their disgust, stating: "Can you please stop showing the video of Dujardin whipping the horse not everyone wants to see animal abuse."
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In contrast, another added their voice to the outcry, simply saying it was "enough". They commented: "I think we have NOW seen the cruelty video 3 times in 12 hour - enough now no need to show it anymore."
Dutch legal expert Stephan Wensing, representing the 19 year old rider involved during the training session and who lodged the formal complaint against Dujardin, welcomed the decisive action by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
He recounted the incident, saying: "Charlotte Dujardin was in the middle of the arena. She said to the student: 'Your horse must lift up the legs more in the canter.'".
Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics (Image: PA)Wensing continued, describing the severity of the situation: "She took the long whip and she was beating the horse more than 24 times in one minute. It was like an elephant in the circus."
Following the emergence of the footage, Dujardin issued a statement acknowledging her actions, which read: "What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment."
Concluding her statement with remorse, Dujardin said: "I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors. I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
GMB sparks backlash as they repeatedly show controversial Charlotte Dujardin clip
GMB sparks backlash as they repeatedly show controversial Charlotte Dujardin clip
GMB sparks backlash as they repeatedly show controversial Charlotte Dujardin clip
GMB sparks backlash as they repeatedly show controversial Charlotte Dujardin clip
GMB sparks backlash as they repeatedly show controversial Charlotte Dujardin clip
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