Thomas Skinner has been accused of being a ‘hypocrite’ over his stance on social media during an appearance on BBC’s Question Time.
The former Apprentice star joined justice minister Jake Richards, Conservative former security minister Tom Tugendhat and Layla Moran from the Liberal Democrats on last night’s show in Clacton.
Speaking to the audience, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant claimed that he dislikes how ‘divisive’ social media is.
‘It’s always about people screaming and shouting if you don’t agree with me, with what I stand for, if you don’t agree with my politics, “I hate you. You’re a gammon or you’re a snowflake”,’ he said.
‘I try and spread a bit of positivity and a bit of love, do you know what I mean?’
However, hitting back at Skinner, host Fiona Bruce argued that he benefits from social media and makes part of his living because of the ‘addictive algorithm’ that pushes people towards his content.
She continued by asking: ‘How can you on the one hand say “people shouldn’t be doing it so much” but, on the other hand, you are benefiting from it?”
Defending himself, Skinner said that his main income comes from his businesses, before Bruce chimed back: ‘In the nicest possible way, you’re part of the problem.’
Reacting to their exchange online, Facebook user Matt called him a ‘hypocrite’.
Meanwhile, Sophie questioned whether his comments were actually ‘about himself’.
However, some viewers agreed with the TV star’s claims, as Harvey called him ‘absolutely right’ and William said: ‘He’s talking sense’.
Earlier in the programme, Skinner argued how small businesses are the ‘backbone of this country’, but Labour was currently letting them down.
After arguing that people should be able to ‘enjoy a pint of beer and take their kids to the football, but they can’t’, the businessman added that people have ‘no money’ despite working ‘every hour’.
Slamming Labour, he claimed that they are killing small businesses when they need ‘more support’.
The 35-year-old’s appearance on the show comes after he previously stated that he was suing the BBC for ‘rigging the vote’ against him after being booted from Strictly.
After appearing on The Apprentice in 2019, Skinner’s signing to the long-running BBC dancing series was a controversial one due to his social media activity, which included his past endorsement of Donald Trump.
Before the show had even started, he then stormed out of a press event and admitted to cheating on his wife before becoming the first contestant to be sent packing.
In December, it was then reported that he wanted to ‘take on’ the BBC after believing he was unfairly eliminated.
‘Thomas is adamant he got a larger share of the public vote and believes he has the evidence to prove it,’ a source told The Sun.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
