A “disgusting” video appearing to show Professor Chris Whitty being confronted by a Covid-denier has sparked outrage.
The video, which was uploaded to TikTok, shows a man approaching the Chief Medical Officer in London and saying:
“You’re a liar. You lie about the Covid-19 cases, man. Come on man, stop lying to the TV.”
Whitty does not respond to the TikToker’s taunts.
Reacting to the video onGood Morning Britain, Piers Morgan said:
“That video should disgust all of us. Where is our decency?
It’s a pathetic indictment of where this country is going in terms of that kind of nonsense on social media. … This is where conspiracy theories and lies get people and it’s incredibly dangerous.”
MPs also lined up to condemn the video. Matt Hancock told BBC Breakfast:
“I think the individual concerned is pathetic. I think it’s ridiculous what he’s doing."
"The idea somebody would do something as silly as that is ridiculous.”
Conservative MP Matt Vickers tweeted “this is appalling”.
*Please share* This is appalling, I really can't believe this footage. Chris Whitty is doing all he can to help… https://t.co/PapiqNa7tJ— Matt Vickers MP (@Matt Vickers MP) 1612279325
Others also criticised the “appalling” and “disgusting” video.
This is horrible. Chris Whitty seems like such a kind man. What a terrible way to treat somebody who is working so… https://t.co/n9Ryi1iRlK— Kirsty Strickland (@Kirsty Strickland) 1612333786
Bullying a man who spent the Christmas holiday working on Covid wards is nothing short of disgusting. https://t.co/qH5BVOlTCX— Jess (@Jess) 1612312048
Although he has been targeted by Covid-deniers, Whitty has also become something of an unlikely hero.
The Chris Whitty Appreciation Society, which launched after his first few press conference appearances in March 2020, now has more than 5,000 members.