Dizzee Rascal accuses Piers Morgan of stereotyping him as 'the aggressive black man' in TV interview

Dizzee Rascal told Piers Morgan he refused to be stereotyped as ‘the black spokesperson’ during a live interview on Good Morning Britain.

The 35-year-old rapper appeared on the ITV breakfast show to discuss his new drive-in concert tour and was asked by Morgan to comment on the Black Lives Matter movement.

Dizzee replied: “What makes you think I know? Am I the black spokesperson?”

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He went on: “Today we’re talking about the drive-in and I hope this ain’t a missed opportunity to speak up on a lot of the badness that’s been happening. But it’s really nice and sunny outside today and I can’t really be bothered to be honest with it all, this morning. I brought my afro out so I know I’m looking a bit natural and that, I don’t know it that’s maybe why you’re asking the question...

“I’ve watched you on telly, you never let no one speak – you’re not going to do this to me mate...

“I can take the opportunity [to voice my opinions] anytime I want because if social media. We’re here to talk about this beautiful thing where everyone can come together regardless of their colour or creed... You can’t force me.”

Morgan replied: “I’ve no intention of forcing you. You’ve reacted aggressively to a polite question.”

Dizzee quipped: “Now I’ve become the aggressive black man?!”

The grime star added: “I’m just going to p**s off both sides with whatever I say.”

Co-host Susanna Reid then told he couldn’t swear on the morning show and an awkward Morgan tried to change the subject by asking Dizzee about the origin of his nickname.

The Bonkers rapper has won praise on social media for standing up to the notoriously ‘combative’ presenter.

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Morgan tweeted in response: “I didn't feel 'mugged off'. I asked @DizzeeRascal about #BlackLivesMatter & he said he didn't want to talk about it. Entirely his prerogative.”

Dizzee - whose real name is Dylan Mills - was born and brought up in London by his Ghanaian mum. His Nigerian father died when he was young. He released his debut album Boy in da Corner in 2003 and had his first UK Number One single with Dance wiv Me in 2008. Other hist include Bonkers, Holiday, Dirtee Disco, and 2010 England World Cup anthem Shout.

He will be performing as part of the Utilita Live From The Drive-In shows this summer – a series of concerts organised across the UK to allow live music performances to go ahead, with social distancing in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic.