GB News under fire over 'bad taste' video as channel's own stars left raging

GB News has been criticised this week after airing a controversial street interview that left viewers and some of its own presenters outraged. Some branded the footage "exploitative" and "in bad taste."

The backlash erupted following a social media clip that quickly went viral. The clip showed reporter Steven Edginton conducting a vox pop in South London, quizzing members of the public on their views about British values and historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson, and Alfred the Great.

One interview in particular has caused uproar. In the clip, that has now been viewed millions of times online, a young Black man in Brixton, visibly hesitant, responds: "Erm, well... What I would say about these people is they're just doing what they've got to do, you know?"

When asked about British values, he replied: "It's a tricky one, innit! Does it have something to do with the cost of living?" He later adds, "I was born in South London in 1997, it is my home... Yeah, Britain is my home... It's amazing... Things have changed for good."

The truth behind the now-viral clip has exposed a far more troubling reality, as it has been confirmed that the young man is autistic, and his family says he was unknowingly thrust into the spotlight, leaving them distressed.

The fallout has even spread within the GB News team itself, with two of the channel's presenters publicly criticising the segment. Prominent commentator Martin Daubney defended the young man, posting on social media: "TBF how many white kids would know about Alfred the Great? I know Brixton, this lad seems solid, I'd buy him a pint - what's the problem?" (sic)

Fellow GB News contributor Charlie Peters also aimed at the editorial decision, suggesting the video crossed a line.

Speaking to The London Economic, the man's brother, Sultan Bey, condemned GB News for what he described as a serious breach of judgment.

"My first reaction was frustration towards my brother because we've told him, please stay off social media, don't let yourself get recorded," Sultan said.

He added:"But more than that, it was heartbreak. It was clear he didn't fully understand the situation, and now he's being mocked all over the internet."

Edginton, who conducted the interview, doubled down on X: "I haven't seen so much hysteria over a vox pop in my life. That's what we do sometimes - interview the public. Sometimes they look good, or bad, or neutral. People can make up their own minds. "