Steven announced that Piers will be the next guest on Diary Of A CEO (Picture: @stevenbartlett/Twitter)
Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett was met with a fierce backlash after announcing that Piers Morgan will be joining him on the next episode of his podcast.
The outspoken journalist, 57, is one of the latest voices to record an episode on Steven’s Diary of a CEO, as he prepares to take centre stage in his new talk show Piers Morgan Uncensored on Monday April 25.
The 29-year-old entrepreneur confirmed the news on social media and promised the candid chat will be a ‘very honest conversation about life, cancel culture, the art of attention, failure, mental health, truth and more!’
Although Steven claimed Piers was ‘one of the most requested guests’ many have hit out at the star on social media.
‘I’m so conflicted,’ one person wrote.
While another added: ‘NO THANKS. Why Steven WHY! First Molly Mae and now this guy?!?!?! Get serious #losingrespectfast.’
Fans vented their frustrations on social media
Addressing the criticism, Steven tweeted: ‘Imagine only being willing to have a conversation with people you know you already completely agree with and sticking your fingers in your ears to anyone else.
‘Imagine how little progress would be made in the world. Imagine judging a conversation before you’ve even heard it.’
Piers’ episode will launch on the same day he makes his debut to the small screen next month.
Molly-Mae Hague, Roman Kemp, and many more have given in-depth interviews on the award-winning podcast – however this isn’t the first time Steven has defended his guest choice.
The businessman faced criticism when former Health Secretary Matt Hancock joined the podcast at the end of February.
At the time the episode was teased, some had asked what Hancock was the CEO of, while others questioned why he was being given such a platform in which to attempt ‘reputation rehabilitation’.
Molly-Mae’s appearance on the podcast sparked intense backlash last year (Picture: YouTube/The Diary Of A CEO)
Firing back at the backlash, Steven responded: ‘My guests tend to be individuals who have been in unique positions, authors, well known names in society or people with unique stories.
‘My objective is to try and find a long-form perspective on that story that you might not get on other shorter form media platforms.’
He added: ‘Then, it’s up to you – the viewer – to arrive at your own conclusions. It’s worth saying, I will always interview whoever I want to on my channel and as the viewer you can choose to listen or not.
‘I view this as my right as the channel owner and your right as the viewer.’
Piers Morgan’s full interview on Diary Of A CEO on Spotify and Apple will be available on April 25.
