Good Morning Britain turned awkward on Wednesday morning as the ITV presenters interview Caitlyn Jenner on the issue of transgender women in sports.
The former Olympic gold medallist, who came out as a trans woman in 2015, has opposed trans girls participating in women's sports.
Caitlyn discussed the recent Fina ban, which states all sports governed by Fina – including swimming and diving – will not allow trans athletes to compete in women's competitions if they have gone through any part of the process of male puberty.
Caitlyn, who has been described as the highest-profile American to come out as transgender, was asked for her opinion on the hot-button issue while appearing on the ITV programme to discuss her involvement with motorsport through Jenner Racing.
She said: “Women that have been through male puberty, I don’t think they should be able to compete against women. They just have too much of an advantage. It’s not fair.”
Susanna replied: “There are a lot of transgender athletes who disagree with you – and even people who aren’t transgender – Tom Daley, our diver, says he’s furious about the decision that was made by the regulating body.”
Daley, speaking at the British LGBT Awards, said the ruling was “not on”, adding: “I was furious. Anyone that's told that they can't compete or can't do something they love just because of who they are, it's not on.
“It's something I feel really strongly about. Giving trans people the chance to share their side.”
In the ITV studio, Caitlyn said “everybody can be furious”, noting she “does not care”.
She said: “That’s my decision. I’m out to protect women in sports and that’s why I got involved with the W Series.”
But Adil then cut in to say: “Your very own CEO of the W Series says she has no issue with transgender women taking part.”
Catherine Bond Muir is the W Series CEO – which is an ever-growing, all-female championship of racing to help women get into motorsport – and has said that she sees no issue with transgender women entering the championship, although there have been no transgender drivers on the grid thus far.
Caitlyn noted they had a trans driver trial for the team but said she “didn’t make it”, adding: “It’s such a small issue. There’s so few trans people in the world.”
However, ITV viewers at home were left uncomfortable by the exchange, particularly as some noticed Adil laugh at Caitlyn at one point.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: “Adil laughing when she said she is trans wasn't a good look.”
A second chimed: “Clear point made! Adil didn’t need to giggle when she said trans.”
“Caitlin Jenner has absolutely smashed gutter GMB journalist Susanna Reid out the park!!” a third wrote.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
