Piers Morgan claims tweet calling out sexual harassment is 'everything that's wrong about modern feminism'

‘All women know what it’s like to get unsolicited attention on the tube’

Dina Rickman (Twitter)

A tweet highlighting why it’s important to recognise behaviour that can be construed as sexual harassment was described by Piers Morgan as: “Everything that’s wrong about modern feminism”.

This led to an illuminating Twitter thread explaining exactly why his sentiments are wrongfully placed.

It all began when Dina Rickman, who used to work at The Independent and now works at a crowdfunding site, came across a white board on the underground at Moorgate station adorned with a “Thought of the Day” which read: “When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them.

“It may take a second to say but for them it could last a lifetime.”

Rickman shared a photo of the board on Twitter, writing: “Thought of the day: why not take the time to sexually harass a stranger.”

As Morgan often does whenever the topics of sexism or feminism arise, he decided to express his views by quoting the tweet, stating: “Everything that’s wrong about modern feminism right here.”

Many people commenting on Morgan’s tweet followed suit, echoing his statement.

Rickman followed on from her initial tweet with a thread, providing a detailed explanation about sexual harassment.

The Independent spoke to Rickman about how the sign may perpetuate a culture of sexual harassment that is particularly rife on public transport.

“On the face of it this comment is innocent,” she said. “The context of it is in one of the busiest stations in London (Moorgate).

“But some people will take this as a cue that it’s ok to go up to strangers and comment on their appearance.

“Strangers coming up to you and commenting on your appearance - if that’s ‘something beautiful’ about you - can be deeply intimidating and sexual harassment.

“Obviously it depends on the social context.”

While giving and receiving compliments can be very pleasant, it’s important to take note of the social situation and consider whether a comment, especially if it’s concerning an individual’s physical appearance, is an appropriate one to make, as Rickman explained.

“It’s about normalising behaviour that isn’t sensitive to people trying to go about their everyday business,” Rickman said.

In 2016, Transport for London revealed that reports and arrests of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport had increased over the past year.

The “Report It to Stop It” campaign was launched in an effort to encourage victims to speak to the authorities about their experiences.

The Independent has contacted Morgan's representatives for comment.