The broadcast on March 23 drew viewer complaints that Ed Balls displayed 'political bias' during the programme. The controversy erupted during an appearance by antisemitism campaigner Dov Forman, who was on the show following an arson attack on a Jewish charity ambulance fleet. Four charity-owned ambulances were set on fire in Golders Green, London, and three men have been charged with arson, intent to damage property and reckless as to endangering life in connection with the ambulance attack.
During the interview, Ed Balls asked Dov Forman whether criticism of Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square by shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy was causing intolerance and divisiveness in the Jewish community. Forman responded that he wouldn't get drawn into a debate on whether Nick Timothy's words were right or wrong, and that they were there to talk about the antisemitic attack. He added that many people in the country feel concerned about Islamist extremism, including many in the Jewish community.
When you see last week the shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy singling out the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, for praying in Trafalgar Square in a Muslim group and saying that is wrong and shouldn’t happen, isn’t that the kind of intolerance and divisiveness which is causing problems in the Jewish community right now? Do you condemn that as well?
The programme later apologised to viewers about the exchange between Ed Balls and Dov Forman. According to the programme's statement, Ed Balls' intention was to ask whether a culture of intolerance was placing Jews at greater risk of harm in the UK, and they regretted any misunderstanding and apologised for any offence caused. The exchange sparked social media outrage, with viewers complaining about the line of questioning.
ITV bosses are confronting a growing row 'at the very top' after Ed Balls was accused of 'whataboutery' over the interview. A well-placed source said the row is being dealt with 'at the very top' with ITV bosses discussing whether Balls should issue an apology.
In one ridiculous question, Ed Balls reveals himself to be absolutely clueless. Engaging in whataboutery with a young antisemitism campaigner at the scene of an antisemitic attack is deeply unpleasant.
Political and media figures have criticised the interview segment. Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick branded the interview 'deeply unpleasant' and said Balls was 'absolutely clueless'. The Campaign for Media Standards criticised the segment, saying the focus should have remained on antisemitism and the recent attack.