North East MP calls on Ofcom to “intervene” after “disgusting” Laurence Fox comments
Written by Joshua Nichol on 28th September 2023
A North East MP has called on Ofcom to “intervene” following the suspension of Laurence Fox by GB News.
Mr Fox, 45, was suspended formally on Wednesday morning after comments he made about PoliticsJOE journalist Ava Evans on the show Dan Wootton Tonight on 26 September.
The Lewis actor-turned-politician came under fire for an exchange with host Dan Wootton.
He said: “Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman – ever, ever.”
“That little woman has been fed, spoon-fed oppression day after day after day.”
He added: “Who’d want to s**g that?”.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, on the morning of 27 September, GB News confirmed they had suspended Mr Fox with immediate effect.
They added: “We will be apologising formally to Ms Evans.”
However, Ms Evans posted at 1.12pm on 27 September “I haven’t had an apology yet if anyone was wondering.”
On the evening of 27 September GB News also confirmed the suspension of host Dan Wootton following Mr Fox’s comments on his programme, stating they would be “conducting a full investigation” into the events.
Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, branded the ongoing situation as “absolutely disgusting” on X.
In a statement to Spark, she said: “Using women’s attractiveness or their sex lives is deliberately designed to belittle women.”
“It is no wonder there’s an endemic of violence against women and girls when this is broadcast on outlets like GB News.”
She added: “Ofcom needs to intervene and GB News needs more than just a slap on the wrist.”
Responding to Ms Osborne, GB News told Spark: “It’s worth noting that we have suspended both presenters involved in this, pending an investigation.”
“So, to be clear, we do not condone or approve of Laurence’s remarks and we are taking it very seriously, as is evident.”
Mr Fox says that he stands by his comments.