Good Morning Britain viewers weren't too happy to see one guest on the sofa earlier this morning.
Self-described hunting advocate Diggory Hadoke appeared on the show alongside another guest, as they debated the decision by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries on Sunday (14 August) to put down Freya the walrus.
The animal, which often spent time on the North East coast of England, was euthanised by Norwegian authorities over its "continued threat to human safety", but many animal rights activists felt a viable alternative could have kept the animal alive and the public safe.
Speaking to Robert Rinder and Charlotte Hawkins on Tuesday morning [August 16], Diggory defended the decision by the Norwegian authorities, saying: "Individual animals like this are basically inconsequential. It's a shame."
He continued to blast "stupid people" who would flock to see Freya the walrus, and claim he often receives death threats when he appears on TV - something host Robert condemned and said was unacceptable.
Viewers watching at home were deeply unimpressed with Diggory's comments about Freya the walrus - with a slew of comments regarding his appearance flooding social media as the interview aired.
"Why is Diggory Hadoke being platformed? Is this really the best person they could find to defend the Norwegian government? #Gmb," one fan raged on Twitter on Tuesday morning.
"Diggory Hadoke, the hunting advocate, is ironically one of these characters who’d call out ‘nannie state’ yet says “inconsequential” walrus was shot for human safety…! All people had to do was leave Freya the hell alone! #Gmb," another fumed.
"A hunting advocate that thinks animals are ‘inconsequential’, quelle surprise #GMB #FreyaTheWalrus," a third wrote on Twitter, with another quipping:"#GMB Diggory is the sort of person to go to the Beach and declare War on Seagulls because he got his Cucumber sandwich nicked !"
Others weren't happy about ITV's decision to give Diggory a platform to air his views, with one viewer saying: "Why are they giving that horror Dickory any airtime. Vile man #GMB."
"I'm already getting fired up b4 this d***ery opens his mouth, cruel b****** #gmb," another raged, with an additional viewer writing: "#GMB Can we get rid of Diggory?"
As the debate drew to a close, presenter Robert expressed his sadness at the situation and told viewers: "No death threats from me but the Norwegian government is going to get a strongly worded email from me."
"#RobertRinder thank you SO much for defending the rights of all animals this morning," one viewer told the star after his comment aired. "You held that deplorable Hunter to account. Made me feel sick listening to his comments about individual animals being inconsequential."
Regarding the decision to put Freya the walrus down, Frank Bakke-Jensen, director general of fisheries, previously said: "We have sympathies for the fact that the decision can cause reactions with the public, but I am firm that this was the right call.
"We have great regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must take precedence."
