Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid was forced to step in and apologise during Monday’s (February 24) 

broadcast after a guest made an unexpected hand gesture live on air. 

The moment unfolded while Reid and co-host Richard Madeley were speaking with war correspondent John Sweeney, who was reporting live from Kyiv, Ukraine.

Unexpected Moment on Live Television

During the discussion, Sweeney was sharing an emotional account of his experience covering the war in Ukraine. 

He recalled meeting a Ukrainian man who had suffered life-altering injuries, losing both arms and a leg in the ongoing conflict. 

The man had been fitted with a prosthetic arm, which was controlled by his muscle movements using innovative medical technology.

As he relayed the encounter, Sweeney described the man’s reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin. To illustrate his point, he imitated the man’s response by making a three-finger salute, followed by raising his middle finger—a gesture symbolising defiance against Putin.

While the moment was deeply emotional and reflected the raw realities of war, it took an unexpected turn due to the nature of the gesture being broadcast during a morning show.

Susanna Reid Steps In with an Apology

Immediately recognising the potential for controversy, Susanna Reid stepped in to issue an on-air apology. She acknowledged the intensity of the moment but reminded viewers that such gestures are still considered offensive, particularly on morning television when young viewers may be watching.

“I understand that you felt, personally, the power of that. We do have to apologise for that gesture on breakfast television. It’s still considered a highly offensive gesture, John, and of course, there are children watching,” she stated.

Realising his mistake, Sweeney quickly responded with an apology. “I’m very sorry, Susanna, I’m an old war reporter, sometimes I forget where I am,” he admitted.

Richard Madeley also addressed the situation, commending Sweeney for his apology before moving the conversation forward. Despite the momentary disruption, Reid reassured viewers that they understood the challenging circumstances Sweeney was reporting from and acknowledged the powerful emotions behind his words.

Viewer Reactions on Social Media

The incident quickly sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many viewers taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts. Some expressed frustration over the apology, arguing that it was unnecessary given the context of the discussion.

One viewer commented: “Ummmm another stupid apology? Come on woke #GMB ridiculous.”

Another person criticised the perceived double standard in television broadcasting, stating: “Show men with arms and legs blown off and describe that in detail, show the devastation caused by war but DO NOT under any circumstances, show the bird. There are children watching. They can handle people being blown up but no hurty hand signs.”

Others felt that the conversation should have remained focused on the severity of the war in Ukraine rather than the gesture itself. One person wrote: “#GMB Incredible! Putin and his stooge Trump are trying to get their grubby hands on Ukraine, and all you can do is get worked up over a hand gesture!! Get real!!”

Another viewer criticised Reid’s handling of the situation: “Prim & proper Susanna Reid tells off John Sweeney over a Ukrainian soldier who had lost multiple limbs in the war for using his prosthetic hand to make a ‘finger gesture’.”

Balancing Live News and Sensitivities

The moment highlighted the challenges that live news programs face when covering sensitive and emotional topics. War correspondents like John Sweeney witness firsthand the brutal realities of conflict, and their reports often reflect the intensity of their experiences. However, morning television also has to adhere to broadcasting standards that consider a diverse audience, including children.

For Susanna Reid, it was a delicate balancing act—acknowledging the raw emotion behind Sweeney’s story while ensuring the show maintained appropriate conduct for its time slot.

Moving Forward

Despite the brief controversy, the segment underscored the ongoing devastation in Ukraine and the resilience of its people. Sweeney’s account of the injured soldier’s defiant message to Putin resonated with many viewers, regardless of the debate surrounding the gesture.

While the conversation briefly shifted towards the appropriateness of the live broadcast, the core message of the segment remained clear—bringing attention to the human cost of war and the strength of those affected by it.

As for Good Morning Britain, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live television, especially when discussing deeply emotional and politically charged topics.

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