GMB's Richard Madeley blasted over question about rape being used as a weapon in Ukraine

Richard Madeley was criticised after questioning why rape was a weapon of war on GMB today.

The 65-year-old presenter had joined Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain as they discussed the latest horrifying allegations that Russian troops have used rape as a 'weapon of war' against Ukrainian civilians.

The UK's ambassador to Ukraine said yesterday she was aware of reports of women and girls being raped in front of their families, describing it as a "deliberate act of subjugation".

Kate and Richard were joined by Chip Chapman, Former Senior British Adviser to US central command, who gave his analysis on the situation.

After discussing the heartbreaking testimony uncovered by human rights groups, Richard had asked: "Chip, we've said something that was widely reported this morning that rape was used as a weapon of war. How exactly is rape a weapon of war?"

Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway were joined by Chip Chapman on GMB (mirror.co.uk)

In response, Chip said: "Well, it's just trying to impose some sort of will upon the enemy as it's mentioned in the Second World War, it's absolutely horrific. And if you've got compromised morality [...] with those with weapons you've got a lethal combination for the future. It's absolutely disgraceful and people need to be taken to account."

But viewers were not impressed with Richard's question, with one writing: "Richard Madeley on #gmb has just asked, 'How exactly is rape a weapon of war?' ?????!!!!!!!"

While another commented: "Madeley, 'how is rape a weapon of war?' What a d***!!! #GMB."

Richard was criticised by GMB viewers over his question (mirror.co.uk)

A third wrote: "Dickie “how is rape a weapon of war”? Moron - why #gmb have you got that idiot still asking questions on your once great morning show - bring in @MartinSLewis or @adilray anyone is better than that ignorant, lightweight fluff!"

It comes after Charity Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it had uncovered evidence of "unspeakable, deliberate cruelty and violence" against Ukrainian civilians, and said these must be investigated as war crimes.

Melinda Simmons, British Ambassador to Ukraine, posted on Twitter : "Rape is a weapon of war. Though we don’t yet know the full extent of its use in Ukraine it’s already clear it was part of (Russian) arsenal.

"Women raped in front of their kids, girls in front of their families, as a deliberate act of subjugation. Rape is a war crime."

*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV