EntertainmentDragons Den star brands smokers "stupid"

Dragons Den star brands smokers “stupid”

Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne has branded people who smoke “stupid” and slammed them for having no self respect.

What started as a debate on new tax measures on cigarettes in the UK, soon descended into a Twitter row between the 62-year-old and some of his followers.

The Scots star started the argument earlier today when he tweeted to his half a million followers: “Yes! 37p on a packet of cigs!.”

Mr Bannatyne is not shy of a Twitter row.

One follower, @April1990, was offended by his comment, and tweeted the self-made millionaire and non-smoker: “Another thing just to make the poor even poorer Duncan.” To which he replied: “Not if they stop.”

The twitter user then defended smokers, stating: “I know but its not that simple is it? Its an addiction and an expensive one at that.

To which he replied: “Rubbish, anyone with an ounce of self respect can stop.”

@April1990 then said: “That’s absolute rubbish! What has it got to do with self respect? Are you a smoker Duncan?

She added: “obviously the increase in price won’t affect you with you rolling in money.” To which he replied:  “It will not affect me because I am not stupid enough to smoke.”

Another user @welshybhoy901, seemed to be confused by Mr Bannatyne’s tweet, asking: “why you moaning about it its the only tax I agree with as smoking should just be banned altogether.”

To which, the star replied: “You are daft, I never moaned about it I applauded it.”

Mr Bannayne is not shy of a Twitter row, causing outrage last year after offering his Twitter fans a cash reward for breaking the arms of a twitter follower who had sent his daughter an abusive message. He said: “I offer £25,000 reward for the capture of the coward who calls himself @YuriVasilyev. Double if his arms are broken first’.

Earlier this month, the dyslexic hit out at “bullies” who pulled him up over his spelling on Twitter.

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