‘Flag-Waving Idiots’: Actor Steve Coogan Outrages GB News Punditry After Criticising Royalists

Actor Steve Coogan arrives at the 67th International Berlin Film Festival. Photo by: Kay Nietfeld via AP Images

Comedian Steve Coogan received plenty of kick back at GB News Thursday after he labelled fans of the Royal Family as “flag-waving idiots” during his appearance on this week’s Off Menu podcast.

This candid statement by the actor ignited debate at the network as a central talking point for both punditry and guests alike. Spectator editor and panel guest Freddy Gray blasted Coogan as a “terrible human being” while host Leo Kearse dismissed him as “cringe-worthy” leftist. Meanwhile, another host, Patrick Christy, invited royal family commentator Anita Atkinson for a segment in which she offered to debate Coogan live on air.

On the podcast Coogan, famed for his portrayal of Alan Partridge, went on to accuse royalists of endorsing a “power structure” that suppresses the working class.

He said: “Most people who are into [the Royal family] are flag-waving people who, I think, are kind of idiots because they support a power structure that keeps a foot on the throat of working-class people and I’m just not really keen on that type of people.”

While he acknowledged the late Queen Elizabeth II’s dedication by saying she was “alright” he voiced reservations about the other family members. As for “the rest of them,” Coogan said, “they’re problematic for me.”

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