‘Genocide Enabler’: TalkTV’s James Whale Physically Removes Ex-Union Boss From Studio After Fiery Gaza Argument

TalkTV host James Whale kicked former RMT union boss Steve Hedley off his show after a fiery debate about rail strikes spiralled into an argument over the war in Gaza.

During the debate on strikes, Whale blasted Hedley for “coming in here dressed in a scarf with an…”

“It’s a Palestinian scarf,” Hedley said.

“You actually support the Palestinians?” the host asked.

“I defend the Palestinians right to defend themselves,” Hedley replied. “I believe the Israeli government are a fascist government, I believe the Israeli government are a terrorist government…”

“No, this is not on,” Whale replied. “You want to talk rubbish, go and talk to the BBC or someone like that.”

Hedley continued: “I oppose terrorism wherever it comes from, Hamas or the Israeli government… they’re an occupied people… they’ve been occupied since 1947 when they drove the Palestinians off their land.”

“Okay, quiet now, quiet!” the host shouted. “I don’t want you in here Steve because you are supporting the enemies of this country.”

“You’re defending free speech and you’re throwing me out?” the union boss asked.

“I am defending the freedom of this country,” the host said.

“Really?” the guest mused. “There we go.”

The guest and host shot back, asking whether the other supported acts of violence, citing terrorist attacks in the UK and the statistics from Israel’s current war in Gaza.

“Genocide in Gaza,” the guest said.

As tensions soared, Whale demanded Hedley’s removal, a moment that was captured on camera and has since sent shockwaves across social media.

Hedley’s claimed that the Palestinian people are “occupied” and have “a right to defend themselves” were met with Whale’s blunt dismissal, labelling Hedley’s statements as “rubbish.” The situation reached a boiling point when Whale, after a failed attempt by producers to intervene, confronted Hedley directly, leading to accusations of assault from the former union boss.

In a poignant retort, Whale, revealed his battle with cancer: “I’m an old man with cancer. Do what I ask and go. I know you want to hit me.”

The altercation ended with Hedley branding Whale a “genocide enabler” and the host removing Hedley’s microphone. As Hedley exited, his parting cry of “free Palestine” echoed through the studio.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!