Richard Madeley has been slammed for asking how rape is a weapon of war on GMB today (Monday, April 4.) The presenter 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". Ukrainian prosecutors said they had found 410 bodies in towns near the capital Kyiv.
Kate and Richard were joined by Chip Chapman, Former Senior British Adviser to US central command, who gave his analysis on the situation, as the Mirror reports.
Also read: Ukraine war LIVE: Ukraine accuses Russia of massacre as hundreds of bodies found
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?"
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. @DharricRolyat tweeted: "'How exactly is rape a weapon of war?' GMB, how can you in good conscience continue to contract Madeley after this particularly stupid, insensitive and totally vile statement?"
@Pattyca57464948 said: "Richard Mad Madeley at it again how is rape a weapon of war? Don't actually know where to start with how ignorant and shocking this question is." Meanwhile, @ArgyleLoz commented: "'How exactly is rape a weapon of war' Seriously?" Insensitivity, stupidness and idiocy have long been hallmarks of Madeley, it's high time this absolute halfwit was despatched, I've never known a presenter ask such stupid questions."
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
Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you love here
