Ant Middleton blasted as ‘irresponsible’ as he tells fans ‘don’t change’ amid coronavirus outbreak
ANT Middleton has been blasted as “irresponsible” for telling fans not to change what they are doing amid the coronavirus outbreak.
SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant, 39, went online again today and ranted about the pandemic – insisting he would carry on as normal and encouraged others to do the same.
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In a video posted online, which has received lots of backlash, he declared: “Am I still out travelling the world? Yes.
“Am I still shaking hands? Yes. Am I still cuddling fans at the airport? Yes. Am I washing my hands and keeping my hygiene to a high standard as always? Yes.
“Has my life changed? No. Am I going to let some disease, COVID-19, dictate my life? Absolutely not. Get out there, don’t change, F**k COVID-19!”
In a surprising caption for the clip, Ant told his fans they should actually thank him if he gives it to them.
He wrote: “I do love my fans who come up to me and want a cuddle or a handshake but feel really awkward, so I simply pull them in anyway.
“Don’t worry if I give it to you, your immune system will be stronger after then you can come back and thank me with a kiss! Stay clean and keep doing your thing!
“P.s I haven’t got covid-19 but probably have had it like the majority of you but Ssshhh! #f**kcovid19 #runandhide.”
His comments haven’t gone down well those who are doing what they can to stop the spread of the virus.
One person wrote: “I once admired A Middleton. But now I see he is an exceptionally ignorant and stupid man. I hope someone he actually respects explains to him the harm he is doing. I won’t be watching any of his programmes in the future or buying any of his books.”
Another blasted him, saying: “I can’t believe someone with as big a platform as Ant Middleton would use it to spread such irresponsible advice!!
“He could be using this time to be a force for good, but instead he’s making things worse!!”
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While someone else wrote: “Ant Middleton out there “hugging fans at the airport” could be infected and showing no symptoms, could hug someone who then catches it and dies. What part of the picture is he missing??!!! Absolute irresponsible idiot.”
Ant’s comments come as the country’s top experts have warned that social distancing may need to be in place for “at least a year”.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which is advising the government on its response to the pandemic, has today published a report on its evidence.
UK fatalities today hit 177, while 3269 people are believed to be infected.