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Good Morning Britain hit by Ofcom complaints after Dominic West celebrated Donald Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis
GOOD Morning Britain was hit by a flurry of Ofcom complaints after Dominic West celebrated Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis.
The Wire star, 50, didn't mince his words on last week's show when host Kate Garraway asked what he thought about the US president's shock result.
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Now, The Sun Online can reveal media watchdog Ofcom have confirmed they have received 37 complaints from furious viewers.
Speaking on Friday from his home in Wiltshire, Dominic described his reaction to the news of Trump's diagnosis: "Well I did slightly leap in the air with joy.
"He said 'it is what it is', and I think the phrase is 'what goes around comes around'. I just hope it doesn't interfere with him being elected out of office that's all."
Kate gave him a chance to clarify his words, suggesting he wished Trump well on a personal level but perhaps felt there was an element of karma after the President downplayed the virus earlier in the year.
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But Dominic doubled down and continued: "Well there's an element of schadenfreude I suppose. I'm not a fan of his, as you can probably tell, and I just hope Biden stays healthy and gets the presidency as quickly as possible.
"I think Trump is a catastrophe for America and the world."
He added that he hoped the diagnosis would make Trump supporters take the virus more seriously.
Kate has since revealed that Dominic called her to apologise for his comments.
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Speaking on Monday's show, she explained: "He's been in touch to personally apologise to me. He wasn't aware Derek had had coronavirus was still sick and was worried I'd been upset by it."
She went on to say: "I don't believe Dominic West would wish someone ill."
Viewers were nevertheless incensed by his callous assessment, with one writing: "@GMB well GMB having Dominic West on saying what he has shows that any impartiality and integrity you have has gone down the pan. Mr West must watch that karma does not visit him."
Another fumed: "Kate Garraway 'let's talk about something nicer this morning...' Dominic West, describe Trump's karma...' T**t #GMB."
⚠️ Read our US election live blog for the very latest news on Donald Trump's coronavirus battle
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Kate's husband Derek is still seriously ill in hospital after being stuck down by the virus in March.
Much of that time has been spent in a coma as the virus ravaged his organs, causing him to lose a lot of weight.
Some viewers did, however, share Dominic's assessment with some calling it the "first good news of 2020" - with just 32 days until the presidential election.
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One tweeted: "We are waiting to see you drink bleach. #TrumpHasCovid"
Another said: "Not to be mean or anything but I hope he dies."
A third posted: "I hope Trump’s diagnosis wakes his supporters up to the reality of the pandemic and also that it makes him suffer and die."
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Earlier on GMB, Dr Hilary Jones said the President was at 90 times more risk of serious consequences or dying from the illness than an 18-year-old, citing his age, sex and weight as factors.
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When President Trump tested positive for coronavirus along with First Lady Melania, he vowed: "We will get through this together."
The 74-year-old checked into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday, but he returned to the White House on Monday saying he was feeling much better.
Piers Morgan slams Dominic West for reaction to Trump coronavirus diagnosis as Kate Garraway reveals actor has been in touch
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