This Morning has been hit with 576 Ofcom complaints following presenter Rylan Clark’s controversial comments about housing migrants in “four-star hotels,” which he branded “absolutely insane” during the ITV programme’s 27 August broadcast.
The broadcasting regulator confirmed it is “assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate,” an Ofcom spokesperson told The Independent. The complaints centre on remarks made by Clark, 36, whilst standing in for regular presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.
During a Morning View segment discussing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s mass deportation proposals, Clark launched into an impassioned monologue that has divided public opinion and sparked fierce debate across television networks.
Presenter’s Emotional Defence of NHS Migrant Workers
Clark began by acknowledging the positive contributions of legal immigration, revealing how migrant healthcare workers had saved his mother Linda’s life earlier this year. This country is built on immigration, legal immigration,” he stated. A lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”
However, the presenter’s tone shifted dramatically as he addressed current asylum policies. “I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel,” Clark continued, before adding that the government appeared to be “welcoming in” migrants with what he characterised as excessive hospitality.
Claims About Asylum Seeker Treatment Spark Controversy
Clark’s most contentious claims involved allegations about the treatment of asylum seekers upon arrival in Britain. “Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel. Here’s three meals a day. Here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome,” he stated, suggesting migrants receive tablets and luxury accommodation.
These specific claims about iPads and electronic devices being distributed to asylum seekers have been widely disputed by immigration experts and fact-checkers, who note that whilst basic accommodation and essential services are provided, luxury items are not standard provision.
The presenter contrasted this alleged treatment with domestic homelessness, stating: “There are people that have lived here all their lives that are struggling. They’re homeless. Let’s not even discuss our homeless. There are people living on the streets, veterans, all of this.”
Social Media Backlash and Support
Clark’s comments triggered immediate reaction across social media platforms, with viewers sharply divided. Some praised him for “speaking common sense,” whilst others condemned the spreading of “untrue statements” about asylum seekers.
The controversy intensified when far-right activist Tommy Robinson endorsed Clark’s comments on X, calling them “the most common sense ever spoken on ITV’s This Morning.” This endorsement prompted further criticism from those who felt Clark’s rhetoric aligned too closely with extremist viewpoints.
Within hours of the broadcast, Clark issued a statement on Instagram defending his position: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.”
He added: “Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.
Good Morning Britain Debate Escalates Row
The controversy reignited on 2 September when Good Morning Britain correspondent Kevin Maguire accused Clark of “regurgitating terrible myths” about migrants during a panel discussion with presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.
“All these terrible myths that Rylan Clark regurgitated, spouted most of them,” Maguire declared, prompting an immediate intervention from Reid.
The GMB presenter robustly defended her ITV colleague, interrupting Maguire to state: “Hang on. He pointed out that this country is built on immigration and he was grateful to all of the migrants who have come to the NHS for helping support his mum.
Reid continued: “He was actually concerned, though, that we’ve got a sort of welcome to the UK, and we don’t know who all of these people are.”
Political Context and Broadcasting Standards
The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened political sensitivity around immigration following Labour’s recent election victory. Clark specifically referenced “Labour voters” in his comments, suggesting growing concern within the governing party’s support base about asylum policies.
Maguire persisted in his criticism during the GMB debate, arguing: “He also regurgitated a load of myths and lies. Let’s not ignore that. Myths and lies have gone mainstream, and we’ve got to challenge that, we’ve got to push back on that.”
Reid concluded the heated exchange by highlighting broader societal issues: “Rylan also pointed out that we also have a homelessness problem, the government itself acknowledges that there’s not enough housing.”
Broadcasting Career Under Scrutiny
Clark, who found fame on The X Factor in 2012 before winning Celebrity Big Brother the following year, has been a regular This Morning presenter since 2013. His 29 August broadcast marked his “last day” covering summer holidays, though this was pre-scheduled rather than related to the controversy.
The presenter, who has increasingly ventured into political commentary including appearances on Channel 4’s election coverage and Have I Got News For You, defended his qualifications to discuss such topics in 2019.
I was a 30-year-old man who’s not in politics and I’m the sort of person you should be tapping into,” he told The Big Issue, responding to critics who questioned his political commentary credentials.
Ofcom’s Assessment Process
The 576 complaints represent a significant volume for a daytime television programme, though fall short of This Morning’s most controversial moments. The broadcasting regulator will now assess whether Clark’s comments breached rules around accuracy and potentially harmful content.
Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code requires factual programmes to ensure material facts are not misrepresented, whilst also considering freedom of expression and the editorial context of discussions.
The regulator has not indicated a timeline for its assessment, though typically announces investigation outcomes within its fortnightly Broadcast Bulletin if formal proceedings commence.
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