04 March 2024 , 10:56
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Media watchdog Ofcom has ruled that Laurence Fox’s "misogynistic" comments about female journalist Ava Evans on Dan Wootton’s GB News show broke broadcasting rules which protect viewers from offensive content.
Ofcom received 8,846 complaints in relation to the on-air comments Laurence made about Ava in the episode, broadcast on September 26 2023. 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.
Ofcom received 8,846 complaints in relation to the on-air comments Laurence made about Ava (GB NEWS/UNPIXS)The Ofcom investigation has concluded that comments on Dan Wootton's Tonight show on GB News broke broadcasting regulations. A statement from Ofcom reads: "Our broadcasting standards experts carefully analysed the content as well as formal representations from GB News and Dan Wootton, in line with our investigation procedures.
"We found that Mr Fox’s comments constituted a highly personal attack on Ms Evans and were potentially highly offensive to viewers.
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"They reduced her contribution to a broadcast discussion on mental health - in her professional capacity as a political journalist - to a judgment on whether she or women like her who publicly expressed their political opinions, were sexually desirable to men.
"As such, we considered that Mr Fox’s comments were degrading and demeaning both to Ms Evans and women generally and were clearly and unambiguously misogynistic."
Ava said she felt physically sick after the comments were made by FoxThe 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".
After Eva shared a video of the exchange, GB News condemned the comments, launched an investigation and suspended both Laurence and Dan. The journalist admitted she felt "physically sick" by the comments made.
At the time, 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."
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."