By Lucy Caulkett-
GB News, the UK news channel, has taken the unprecedented step of suspending host Laurence Fox(pictured) after he made derogatory comments targeting journalist Ava Evans during a live discussion on the channel.
The controversy erupted following Evans’ remarks on the BBC, where she expressed concerns about calls for a minister for men, suggesting it exacerbated the culture war.
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Fox’s subsequent comments have drawn sharp criticism and prompted GB News to apologize formally to Evans.
The exchange took place on Monday’s episode of Politics Live, where Ava Evans, a reporter for Politics.
Joe voiced her skepticism about the idea of a dedicated minister for men, arguing that it could inadvertently create divisions.
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She expressed concern that such initiatives might be used to pit genders against each other, instead advocating for a more comprehensive approach to addressing mental health issues that affect all individuals.
The discussion quickly gained attention when it was shared on social media platforms. Evans later clarified on Twitter that her initial remarks had been somewhat rash and that she was genuinely interested in addressing young men’s mental health issues.
The controversy escalated when Laurence Fox, known for hosting his own show on GB News and his run for London mayor in 2021, appeared as a guest on another GB News program, Dan Wootton Tonight, on Tuesday.
Responding to the Politics Live discussion, Fox made inflammatory comments about Ava Evans, stating, “Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman – ever, ever.”
He continued with disparaging remarks, saying, “That little woman has been fed, spoon-fed oppression day after day after day,” and suggested that he would likely walk away from a conversation with her if they met in a bar.
Totally Unacceptable
GB News quickly distanced itself from Fox’s comments, describing them as “totally unacceptable.” The channel issued a formal apology to Ava Evans for the offensive remarks made during the broadcast.
In a subsequent statement, GB News announced the suspension of Laurence Fox, effective immediately, while they conduct an internal investigation into his comments. Fox has been taken off the air as part of this suspension.
Despite the backlash and the suspension, Laurence Fox remained defiant, taking to social media to declare, “I stand by every word of what I said.”
The incident has highlighted the responsibility of news channels and media personalities in maintaining respectful discourse.
Ava Evans, who felt deeply hurt by the comments, expressed her shock and disappointment at the situation.
Dan Wootton- who himself is under investigation By The Sun and Daily Mail Online over multiple allegations of inappropriate conduct towards colleagues during his time with the publications, and also alleged catfishing, following an ORIGINAL investigation b BYLINE TIMES.
Wooton had hosted the interview with Fox during the contentious broadcast.
He issued multiple apologies for his reaction to the comments, emphasizing that he was not amused by Fox’s remarks and acknowledging their inappropriateness.
The controversy has extended to the realm of media regulation, with Labour MP Emily Thornberry tagging media regulator Ofcom in a post on social media, urging it to intervene.
Ofcom confirmed that it had received “a number of complaints” regarding Fox’s comments, and it is currently assessing them against its broadcast rules.
Last May Ofcom received over 4,000 complaints against GB NewsLaurence Fox, initially known for his acting career in series such as ITV’s Lewis, has transitioned into a right-wing political commentator and activist in recent years.
He launched the Reclaim Party in 2020 and ran for London mayor in 2021, earning 1.9% of the vote.
Another day of disappointment on some representatives of the media, with the broadcaster this time taking action by issung a suspension.
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