GB News host Laurence Fox has doubled down on a misogynistic outburst about a female journalist which has sparked outrage and an Ofcom investigation.
Fox, who is also the founder of the fringe Reclaim Party, made a series of remarks about online news site Joe’s political correspondent Ava Evans while appearing on Dan Wootton’s GB News show.
He described her as a “little woman”, as “pathetic and embarrassing”, and added: “Who would want to s**g that?”
Evans shared a clip of the exchange, during which Wootton could be seen smiling and laughing, to social media. She commented elsewhere: "I feel physically sick."
Laurence Fox just did a whole speech on GB News on why men apparently won’t shag me ? pic.twitter.com/XoQD0DUQVm
— Ava-Santina (@AvaSantina) September 26, 2023
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom and GB News both said that investigations into Fox’s comments would be launched, with the right-wing channel distancing itself from its host’s words.
But in a lengthy statement published on Twitter/X on Wednesday morning, Fox insisted he stood by “every word” as backlash to his comments grew.
The GB News host claimed he was excersing his right to "free speech", writing: "I stand by every word of what I said.
"If a woman wants to go on television and belittle male suicide, she is totally within her rights to do so and not apologise, just as I am totally within my rights to say that I wouldn’t want to shag a hyper offended fourth wave feminist and not apologise, just as people are totally within their rights to be offended by my stating I would run a mile in the opposite direction from women like her, should our paths cross in a bar.
“It’s called free speech.
“I realise that the new woke world is low on laughter and high on offence, but it’s still worth trying to find the lighter moments in this joyless new cancel culture which has been created for us."
Fox had already appeared to double down on his comments on Tuesday evening, posting on social media: "Good night Twatter. Don’t s**g hot, boring, mindless, blonde 26th wave feminists. That way misery lies. Every single human life is sacred."
A phone call might have been polite. By matter of interest for the audience contributors do a pre interview before going on, so they knew exactly what I intended to say. I fully defend the the home of free speech’s right to capitulate to the mob… https://t.co/RQJsYZDbnw pic.twitter.com/9MTwhMDXOZ
— Laurence Fox (@LozzaFox) September 27, 2023
Responding to GB News's suspension, Fox shared screenshots which appeared to show messages he had sent the channel beforehand outlining what he planned to say.
He wrote: "Contributors do a pre interview before going on, so they knew exactly what I intended to say."
Doughty Street Chambers human rights barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, who has a focus on journalist safety, hit back against Fox's comments.
Gallagher wrote: "Hideous, revolting, misogynistic stuff from Laurence Fox, demeaning a woman he disagrees with by ref to whether or not he’d sleep with her.
"Horrifying that it was broadcast - & with such glib 'balance' comments tacked on. Solidarity with [Ava Evans]."
The SNP's leader at Westminster, Stephen Flynn, said: "The vile words, of a vile man, laughed at by a vile host on a vile programme. Step up @Ofcom."
And Times Radio political editor Kate McCann said: "OK, enough. Everything about this is utterly grim. Ava isn’t afraid of criticism or debate - but this is neither of those things. It’s bullying, misogynistic arrogance from people who should know better. This should never have been broadcast."
