GB News has refused to apologize for comments made by guest Lewis Schaffer, who jokingly suggested that disabled people on benefits should be starved or shot to cut costs.
The channel claims the comments were “clearly comedic” and don’t require an apology. However, many have criticized the remarks as disability hate speech.
chaffer’s comments were made during a discussion about welfare cuts on GB News, where presenter Patrick Christys asked him how to get disabled people “off their backside”.
Schaffer responded with his outrageous suggestion, which Christys seemed to play along with, saying “Yeah, it’s just not allowed these days”. Critics argue that such comments can embolden hate speech and harassment, having real-life consequences for disabled individuals.
Dr. Natasha Hirst from the National Union of Journalists condemned the comments, emphasizing that suggesting violence towards disabled people is no joke and has serious consequences.
She expects Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to investigate the complaints and take action. Disabled campaigner Ben Scott called for GB News to be shut down due to the “astronomically shocking” rhetoric, drawing comparisons to Nazi propaganda.
Ofcom has confirmed receiving complaints about Schaffer’s comments, although they won’t disclose the exact number since it’s less than 50. This isn’t the first time GB News has faced controversy; this week, the channel is challenging a £100,000 fine imposed by Ofcom for breaching impartiality requirements during a broadcast featuring then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about GB News’s content and adherence to regulatory standards.
