This Morning’s Alison Hammond breaks down after emotional speech about George Floyd’s death

Alison Hammond became tearful on today’s This Morning after delivering a powerful speech on how George Floyd’s death has affected her.

The 45-year-old, who is of Jamaican descent, spoke to This Morning host’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield after they participated in the Blackout Tuesday protest in honour of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Joining the show over the phone, Hammond explained: “This is wonderful you have given this a platform on national TV. I think that’s absolutely wonderful.

“First, I am a mother to black boys so when I saw that image of George Floyd I saw my brother, I saw my father, I saw my son.

“I saw everybody’s son, and I was disgusted to my core. It hurt me to the pit of my stomach to think that this is 2020 and we are seeing that. Let’s be honest. This has been going on for ever.”

She also spoke out about how the events have affected her mental well-being, and urged journalists to think about the images and videos that are available for the world to see.

“It does have an effect on your mental health, of course it does,” Hammond says.

“When I see those images on the telly of George Floyd that are put out all the time, especially when he is lying on the floor dead, that has an effect, deeply on my mental health.

“I appeal to the media departments, just be careful with the images that are put out.”

Hammond’s moving words have touched deeply during a hugely sensitive time, with many sharing her speech on Twitter:

"Alison Hammond has made myself and countless others; laugh, feel joy and momentarily forget about our worries,” one wrote. “So please listen to her words now.”

Another added: “It was so powerful to see This Morning addressing Black Lives Matter today. Alison Hammond is such a beautiful soul and I hope that anyone watching who isn't behind Black Lives Matter could hear the hurt in her voice and chooses to support and amplify the cause.”

“Alison Hammond, thank you for your powerful, truthful, frank words today about the madness that’s going on,” a third said.

“My heart hurts, and my head can't understand such vile behaviour. I hear you, I love you, I support you, this must stop!”

Floyd’s death in custody in Minnesota last week, after an officer knelt on his neck during his arrest, has sparked worldwide protests.

Many celebrities, including John Boyega, Harry Styles and John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, have voiced support for those campaigning for the Black Lives Matter movement.

This Morning continues from 10am on ITV.

Additional reporting by PA

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