04 October 2023 , 10:02
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Laurence Fox's tirade at journalist Ava Evans on GB News' Dan Wootton Tonight is the most complained about moment on TV this year, according to watchdog Ofcom.
Ofcom received 8,846 complaints in relation to the on-air comments Lauren made about Ava. The suspended broadcaster referred to the journalist as a "little woman" before asking what "self-respecting man" would "climb into bed" with her.
The media watchdog previously confirmed they had launched an investigation into the Dan Wootton Show under rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code, in which broadcasters must ensure material which may cause offence is justified by the context.
The sexism row erupted after Laurence hit out at Ava over her views on the idea of a minister for men, which she expressed during an appearance on BBC Politics Live. GB News host Dan could be seen smiling and laughing throughout Laurence's tirade before adding for a "touch of balance" that Ava had subsequently qualified her comments, and then called her a "very beautiful woman".
Laurence Fox hit out at Ava Evans on GB NewsAfter Eva shared a video of the exchanged, GB News condemned the comments, launched an investigation and suspended both Laurence and Dan. The journalist admitted she felt "physically sick" at the comments.
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Broadcasters and politicians hit out at the comments with Piers Morgan tweeting: "Ava is a very talented journalist and delightful person. Fox is a disgusting piece of misogynist trash." Carol Vorderman added: "Please know that ALL decent people are on your side. We're grateful for your voice. Do not let them bully you. I know only too well how difficult that can be. But we ARE winning. All of us together."
Labour's shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Thangam Debbonaire, posted on Twitter: "Last night's woman hating on air has hit a new low. Might want to ask why a national broadcaster would want to keep this man on air. Women are mighty and we will never let voices like this silence us." She followed up with a further tweet adding: "And actually is it a new low? It's very low but so many women-hating men get to shout their vile-eness at us on air, online, on the street. And sometimes to our faces. Non-abusive men. Step the hell up! We are tired of having to do the work of standing up to patriarchy."
Shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry responded to Ava: "I'm so sorry this has happened to you. This smirking, sniggering misogyny needs to be called out. British television should never subject women to this sort of abuse," while Tory peer Daniel Finkelstein wrote: "Oh my God this is truly appalling. Even for the two individuals involved this was a new low."