Controversial comments made by GB News host, Laurence Fox, about Ava Evans, a political correspondent for the digital platform Joe, are now under investigation by GB News. During a segment on the “Dan Wootton Tonight” show, Fox posed the question, “Who would want to shag that?”, referring to Ms. Evans, and demeaningly referred to her as a “little woman”.
This exchange came in the wake of Ms. Evans’s appearance on BBC’s “Politics Live”. Following the episode, she took to the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a clip of Fox’s comments with the caption, “Laurence Fox just did a whole speech on GB News on why men apparently won’t shag me?” The clip has since been viewed more than 2.1 million times, and in a subsequent post, Ms. Evans expressed that the footage made her feel “physically sick”.
Responding to the growing backlash, Fox released a statement on X wherein he declared that he “stands by every word” and would not be apologizing, lambasting what he perceives as the restrictive nature of cancel culture.
GB News was quick to distance itself from Fox’s remarks. In an official statement, the channel stated that his comments were “totally unacceptable” and did not reflect the network’s values. An internal review was initiated, and the network extended their apologies to Ms. Evans. Dan Wootton, the show host, also expressed regret for not condemning Fox’s comments instantly, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his own reactions during the exchange. He explained his failure to immediately challenge Fox’s statements as a consequence of his surprise and the simultaneous feed of information he was receiving.
This incident has drawn criticism from many, including TV presenter Carole Vorderman, who urged her followers to lodge complaints with the media regulator, Ofcom. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Tooting, deemed the comments “absolutely sickening” and echoed the sentiment that Ofcom needs to intervene immediately.
Wootton later reiterated his regret over the episode, highlighting the need for journalists to address issues rather than target individuals personally. An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed they had received numerous complaints about the incident and would be assessing them in accordance with broadcast rules.
Fox’s own statement on X reflected his uncompromising stance on the matter. He criticized cancel culture and affirmed his commitment to free speech, concluding that he would not be extending an apology to those offended by his remarks.