TV presenter Sarah Beeny shocked viewers of Good Morning Britain on Thursday after making surprising comments about controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
Beeny, 52, appeared on the ITV morning show to promote her series, New Life in the Country, but it was her remarks about Tate that stole the spotlight.
During a conversation with hosts Kate Garraway and Adil Ray, Beeny discussed the importance of role models for young men, expressing concern about a lack of positive figures for boys to emulate.
“There’s no point in cancelling a whole group of people to give opportunities to other people,” Beeny said. “My kids will be fine. It’s the ones who don’t have anyone speaking to them.”
The discussion turned to Tate, a divisive figure known for his misogynistic comments and influence in the “manosphere” community.
Adil Ray asked Beeny about Tate’s controversial statements, which have drawn criticism worldwide. Beny responded with a statement that left viewers and the hosts stunned:
“You are right, Andrew Tate… actually, a lot of what he says is relatively sensible, you know,” she said.
Adil, appearing visibly shocked, quickly interjected, “Some of what he says,” in an attempt to redirect the conversation.
Beeny elaborated, sharing that her sons had encouraged her to listen to Tate. “I was quite anti it and said, ‘Oh, it’s absolutely ridiculous,’ but one of my sons told me to listen to him. And I thought, a lot of it is true—like, ‘Go for a run, and you’ll feel better.’”
Adil wrapped up the discussion by acknowledging Tate’s influence on young men, saying, “He’s talking to them, and that’s the point.”
The comments sparked an immediate reaction on social media, with many expressing disbelief and outrage.
“GMB certainly weren’t prepared for Sarah Beeny coming on and saying Andrew Tate is sensible. Adil Ray frantically trying to save it, whilst Kate Garraway sat in silence,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“Oh my days! Adil Ray’s facial expression was so loud when Sarah Beeny said some of what Andrew Tate says is sensible,” another user posted.
Others criticized Beeny’s broader remarks, particularly her description of the “toxic left.”
“Sarah Beeny describes what she thinks as the ‘toxic left’ as LIBERALISM!!!… and then goes on to praise ANDREW TATE!?!?” one commenter exclaimed.
Earlier this week, Beeny addressed Tate’s appeal in an interview with The Times. While she condemned his toxic views, she admitted she could understand why young boys were drawn to his messaging.
“Eighty percent of what he says is really brilliant. He says, ‘Put the shoulders back, get a six-pack, and you won’t be depressed,’ and you think, actually, that’s good advice — but then, slid in, is this moment of toxic, ‘And tell your b**** she should do as she’s told,’” Beeny said.
Andrew Tate, a self-described misogynist, rose to fame through his polarizing views on masculinity and relationships.
He has been banned from multiple social media platforms for promoting harmful rhetoric and is currently facing legal troubles. Tate and his brother are accused of human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to exploit women in Romania, and he also faces allegations of rape.
Despite this, Tate remains influential, particularly among young men, and was the third most-Googled person in 2023.
Sarah Beeny’s comments have reignited debate over the responsibility of public figures when addressing contentious topics, leaving many questioning the platforming of polarizing individuals in mainstream media.
