‘What an absolute clown’: Sir David Attenborough fans call for Morrissey boycott after singer slates Blue Planet broadcaster

Morrissey questioned Attenborough's “regard for animals”
National treasure: Sir David Attenborough on Blue Planet II
BBC
Emma Powell27 November 2017
The Weekender

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Morrissey had a pop at national treasure Sir David Attenborough – and his fans aren’t happy.

The former Smiths frontman laid into the much-loved broadcaster over his terminology on documentaries including Blue Planet and Planet Earth.

Speaking to The Sunday Times he said: “I don’t know about Attenborough’s regard for animals.

“He often uses terms like ‘seafood’ and there’s no such thing. It’s sea life, and he talks about ‘wildlife’ and it’s free life.

Unpopular: Morrissey has riled people up with his latest comments
So TV/PA

“Animals are not wild simply because we pathetic humans haven’t shoved them in a cage, so his terminology is often up the pole.”

The comments angered Attenborough’s fans who branded Morrissey a “t***” and an “absolute clown”.

One fan tweeted: “I know there are many bigger issues in that Morrissey interview but he’s gone TOO FAR here, you don’t diss Attenborough.”

Another posted: “What is wrong with this Morrissey person? One minute he’s saying women led Trump & Weinstein on and now he’s questioning David Attenborough’s ‘regard for animals’!”

Morrissey also used the interview to clarify his apparent defence of Kevin Spacey, who he said had been “needlessly attacked” in the wake of the Hollywood sex scandal.

Blue Planet II - In pictures

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He also said many of the actresses who made allegations about shamed producer Harvey Weinstein “knew exactly what was happening” and were “simply disappointed”.

Addressing his comments he appeared to play down the severity of sexual assault, saying: “You must be careful as far as ‘sexual harassment’ is concerned because often it can be just a pathetic attempt at courtship.

“I’m sure it’s horrific, but we have to keep everything in proportion. Do you not agree? I have never been sexually harassed, I might add.”

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