GB News latest: Ofcom ‘must investigate’ as Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton suspended

The broadcasting watchdog must look into GB News after the “unacceptable and disgraceful” on-air behaviour of Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox, a Cabinet minister has demanded.

Technology secretary Michelle Donelan said Ofcom had to take the response to the “next stage” after both men were suspended by the channel following Fox’s remarks about journalist Ava Evans.

Wootton laughed in response to the widely criticised remarks by the actor-turned-politician, who asked: “Who would want to s*** that?”

Issuing an apology, Wootton said his “inappropriate” reaction to the remarks about the political correspondent for online news site Joe was a “very unfortunate lapse in judgment”.

But GB News suspended him hours after suspending fellow host Fox, and launched a “full investigation”.

Fox refused to apologise for his comments, which were widely condemned, including by fellow GB News presenters.

Ex-Countdown star Carol Vorderman also urged followers to complain to Ofcom.

Key Points

• GB News suspends presenter Dan Wootton pending investigation

• Channel suspends Laurence Fox

• Former actor Fox ‘stands by’ every word

• Dan Wootton apologises ‘unreservedly’

• Ofcom has received a ‘number of complaints’ about Fox rant

• Home secretary calls for civility and respect

• This is nothing to do with me, says maligned journalist

• GB News ‘has systemic problem’

• Piers Morgan hits out at ‘disgusting piece of misogynist trash’

GB News suspends Dan Wootton

Wednesday 27 September 2023 15:46 , Jane Dalton

GB News has suspended Dan Wootton after he laughed while Laurence Fox was making “vile” comments about a woman journalist.

A statement from the channel said: “GB News has suspended Dan Wootton following comments made on his programme by Laurence Fox last night.

“This follows our decision earlier today to formally suspend Mr Fox.

“We are conducting a full investigation.”

Fox tweeted a screenshot of Wootton apparently replying with laughing emojis in an exchange of texts.

Recap: What did Laurence Fox say?

10:40 , Athena Stavrou

On Wednesday morning, Laurence Fox was suspended from GB News following remarks made in a “vile” rant about journalist Ava Evans.

Dan Wootton, who was presenting the segment, was suspended shortly after by the broadcaster on Wednesday afternoon.

The outburst from Fox about Ms Evans came in response to her discussion on male mental health during an episode of BBC Politics Live on Monday.

Speaking to Wootton during the live broadcast, Fox said: “We’re past the watershed so I can say this: show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman, ever, ever, who wasn’t an Incel?

“That little woman has been spoon fed oppression day after day after day, starting with the lie of the gender wage gap. And she is sat there, and I’m going like “if I met you in a bar and that was, like, sentence three, (the) chances of me just walking away are just huge.”

Laughing, Wootton replied: “Well, look, she, I’m just going to provide a touch of balance from her because she did actually respond to this earlier today, saying that she regretted her comments but she didn’t apologise.”

Voices: The cesspit of anti-woke, anti-science conspiracy theories that is GB News

10:15 , Athena Stavrou

As both Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton are suspended by GB News, Sean O’Grady comments on the broadcaster’s “anti-woke” reputation:

The cesspit of anti-woke, anti-science conspiracy theories? GB News

GB News should be taken off air, says senior Tory

09:55 , Athena Stavrou

Tory MP Caroline Nokes has called for GB News to be taken off air, as she criticised a number of her Conservative colleagues for “swanning off” to host shows on GB News.

The equalities select committee chair said it is “very odd” for colleagues such as Lee Anderson and Jacob Rees-Mogg to have presenting gigs while they have a “day job to do”.

Ms Nokes was highly critical of the broadcaster after it aired “blatantly misogynistic, outdated, hideous attitudes” displayed by Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox towards journalist Ava Evans.

“I think there is a really serious case to answer and I hope that Ofcom can conclude its investigations as swiftly as possible,” she told BBC Newsnight. “I think it should be taken off air, it was entirely predictable that Laurence Fox was going to come out with a statement that was that offensive.”

Laurence Fox says GB News have ‘forgotten why they came into existence'

09:35 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox says that GB News has forgotten “why they came into existence in the first place” as he makes a statement on his suspension.

In a post on X, formerly known as twitter, Laurence Fox said GB News “panicked” following his controversial rant about journalist Ava Evans.

“Where GB news have erred is by forgetting why they came into existence in the first place. Calling themselves the “home of free speech” is a simple principle to protect.” Mr Fox wrote.

He added that he believed the broadcaster “could have easily” said that they ‘respected’ his comments and ‘upheld the fundamental right to free speech’, but instead “went on the defensive”.

Mr Fox also said that GB News was now a “crocodile eating itself”, after multiple presenters condemned his comments on Tuesday night’s show.

He also claimed he has not heard from the broadcaster since his suspension and is “waiting for a chop” at a disciplinary hearing on Friday.

Laurence Fox shares “final thoughts” on GB News suspension

09:21 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox has shared his “final thoughts” on his recent suspension from GB News, following a rant about a woman journalist.

The contraversial figure said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that GB News is no longer the “home of free speech” after they suspended both himself and Dan Wootton.

Fox claims that he is “the catalyst for the great takedown to begin”, but says that “if it hadn’t been me” it would have been another “desperate presenter” joining the “pile on”.

Though he did not directly apologise in his post, Fox added: “I own my mistakes and take full responsibility for them”.

He ended his post by saying he “must rebuild”, adding that he had “done it before and I will do it again”.

Laurence Fox a “disgusting piece of misogynist trash”, says Piers Morgan

09:00 , Athena Stavrou

Piers Morgan is among the several high-profile celebrities denouncing Laurence Fox following his “vile” GB News rant.

Prior to his interview with journalist Ava Evans on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Wednesday night, Morgan called Fox a “disgusting piece of misogynist trash”.

You can read more about this from The Independent below:

Piers Morgan shares his verdict on Laurence Fox’s GB News rant

Ava Evans says getting Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton suspended wasn't 'a goal'

08:40 , Athena Stavrou

Journalist Ava Evans said that it “wasn’t a goal” of hers to get Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox suspended from GB News but she just “happened to be the person they picked on that night”.

The channel announced on Wednesday that it had suspended the pair after what they called “totally unacceptable” comments made by Fox on Wootten’s evening show.

“This isn’t really about me, at all, I just so happened to be the person that they picked on that night and went too far with,” Evans said, speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV.

“It wasn’t a goal of mine to get them suspended from the programme.”

‘My messages are full of people threatening me’ says Ava Evans

08:20 , Athena Stavrou

Journalist Ava Evans says she has faced “threatening” messages on social media after Laurence Fox’s “vile” rant on GB news.

Fox made a number of insults about the political correspondent for the online news website Joe during Dan Wootton’s show on Tuesday night. He has been banned from making any further appearances on GB News, while Wootton has also been suspended by the channel.

Asked about the impact of Fox’s rant, Evans explained that she has faced “threatening” comments on social media. She explained that she has been told to “watch her back” because people are “threatening to come after me”.

GB News guest warns Laurence Fox of ‘baiting women for clicks’ in newly emerged clip

08:00 , Athena Stavrou

A female guest on GB News previously warned Laurence Fox of “baiting women for clicks” in a newly emerged clip.

Doctor Tessa Dunlop appeared on the show in December 2022 to discuss Jeremy Clarkson’s comments on Meghan Markle in his newspaper column.

Dr Dunlop shared the clip on X, formerly Twitter.

In the clip she tells Fox: “Generally you like to poke with a stick. You go as far as you can, you push the right-wing envelope. You men have disproportionately large platforms. You get little me’s on, a doctor incidently but nonetheless, just a little woman, and you bait us for clicks.”

GB News guest warns Laurence Fox of ‘baiting women for clicks’ in newly emerged clip

Growing calls for Ofcom to investigate as Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton suspended

07:36 , Athena Stavrou

Tory MPs are calling for GB News to be investigated by the broadcasting watchdog over the “unacceptable and disgraceful” on-air behaviour of Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox.

Technology secretary Michelle Donelan said Ofcom had to take the response to the “next stage” after both men were suspended by the channel following Fox’s remarks about journalist Ava Evans.

And Tory MP Caroline Nokes said GB News “should be taken off air” over the episode, where Fox attacked Evans by saying “Who would want to sh** that?” as he elicited laughs from Wootton.

GB News has suspended Fox following his comments about journalist Ava Evans, in a segment broadcast during Dan Wootton’s show on Tuesday night.

Fox refused to apologise for his comments, which were widely condemned, including by fellow GB News presenters.

Doctor takes down vaccine-sceptic Fox

07:00 , Jane Dalton

A senior doctor dismissed vaccine-sceptic Fox earlier this year, accusing him on his own programme of “spewing out biased views”. Watch Dr Bharat Pankhania’s take-down of him:

Laurence Fox gets roasted on his own GB News show by disgruntled doctor

GB News must not be cancelled, says presenter

06:30 , Namita Singh

GB News has learned a “hard lesson” after “offensive” comments were made on-air by Laurence Fox - but the channel must not be cancelled, a presenter has said.

Dan Wootton and Fox have both been suspended after the former laughed in response to the widely criticised remarks by the actor-turned-politician, who asked about Ava Evans: “Who would want to sh** that?”

Covering the 9pm slot on GB News on Wednesday evening, Mark Dolan condemned Fox’s “offensive comments” about Ms Evans.

He said: “Whether Laurence should stay on air is not my decision and Dan’s absence tonight is also beyond my control.

“There is an investigation ongoing, but the comments made by Laurence in my view were sexist, misogynistic and, unusually, in the frenzied climate of the so-called culture wars, have been condemned across the political spectrum from left and right.”

But he went on to warn that GB News must not be cancelled in the wake of Fox’s comments.

“Where possible, we seek to play the ball, not the man, or in this case, the woman,” Dolan said.

“We don’t always achieve that.

“Unfortunately, this awful episode plays into the hands of our critics, the people who would love to see the back of GB News, that mustn’t happen.”

The presenter said the channel is “rewriting the rulebook” on current affairs broadcasting and garnering a “fast growing and incredibly loyal audience”.

“Whilst we’re here for the many people in this country, who feel they do not have a voice, the truth is, we’re here for everyone,” he continued.

“People are coming to us in their numbers across all political colours, because they want a different angle, a different approach and they want debate. They want a diversity of opinion and they want it done with wit and wisdom.

“Fiery and good humoured, but respectful and fair too, that is the GB News way.

“We didn’t have that last night. In the end, a hard lesson has been learned.

“We have freedom of speech, but not freedom from the fallout.”

Culture secretary defends Tories who host GB News

06:00 , Jane Dalton

The Culture Secretary has defended fellow Tory MPs who host shows on GB News, including Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson, former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Esther McVey and Philip Davies:

Frazer defends Tory MPs who host GB News shows after ‘unacceptable’ comments

Caroline Nokes demands Ofcom investigate suspended GB News hosts

05:30 , Namita Singh

Tory MP Caroline Nokes was highly critical of GB News after it aired what she called “blatantly misogynistic, outdated, hideous attitudes” displayed by Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox.

The broadcaster has suspended the pair after Fox attacked journalist Ava Evans by saying “Who would want to sh** that?” as he elicited laughs from Wootton.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Ms Nokes called on communications regulator Ofcom to investigate.

“I was appalled by a news channel broadcasting such blatantly misogynistic, outdated, hideous attitudes,” she said.

“I think there is a really serious case to answer and I hope that Ofcom can conclude its investigations as swiftly as possible.

“I think it should be taken off air, it was entirely predictable that Laurence Fox was going to come out with a statement that was that offensive.”

From royal scoops to GB News: Dan Wootton

05:00 , Jane Dalton

During his time at The Sun, New Zealand-born Wootton was best known for breaking stories such as the withdrawal of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from royal duties. He was later suspended by MailOnline:

Dan Wootton: From tabloid journalist to GB News presenter

Odd for Tory colleagues to be ‘swanning off’ to host GB News shows, says MP

04:30 , Namita Singh

Tory MP Caroline Nokes has criticised a number of her Conservative colleagues for “swanning off” to host shows on GB News.

The Commons Women and Equalities Committee chair said it is “very odd” for colleagues such as Lee Anderson and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg to have presenting gigs while they have a “day job to do”.

“I think it’s a very odd relationship to be quite frank and I don’t go on any of their shows,” she said.

“From my perspective if you’re a Member of Parliament you have a day job to do, getting on with the work you have in the House of Commons and not swanning off, and in some cases several times a week, to present a show on a television channel.”

Mr Anderson, the deputy Tory party chair, former cabinet minister Sir Jacob are joined by Philip Davies and Esther McVey as Tory MPs presenting on GB News.

Apology prompts fallout between presenters

04:00 , Jane Dalton

Dan Wootton’s apology provoked a row with Fox, who revealed messages online that suggested he and Wootton had shared laughing emojis about the incident in private.

Wootton had said he could see how “inappropriate my reaction to his totally unacceptable remarks appears to be and want to be clear that I was in no way amused by the comments”.

He said he had reacted “out of shock and surprise in an off-guard moment while working out how to respond”.

“I apologise unreservedly for what was a very unfortunate lapse in judgment on my part under the intense pressure of a bizarre exchange. I know I should have done better. I’m devastated that I let down the team and our supportive GBN family,” he added.

But Fox said “honesty is the best policy”, and published a messenger dialogue that began with: “Making you giggle is my weekly joy.”

The response followed: “You can imagine them freaking out in the gallery!!!!!”

Fox also claimed he had done a “pre-interview” with the channel “so they knew exactly what I intended to say”.

I speak for silent majority, claims Fox

03:00 , Jane Dalton

Fox has claimed people stop him in the street and “sometimes tearfully” tell him he speaks for the silent majority.

“Today I asked myself for the first time ever. What is the point in speaking for a silent majority?” he posted on social media.

He was widely mocked by other users.

Opinion: Fox and Wootton aren’t even the worst thing about GB News

02:00 , Jane Dalton

The channel, an alt-right echo chamber, is still pure propaganda for cranky causes, and is unashamed at being presented by cranky rightist figures. These people and their irrational, myth-based views are dangerous, writes Sean O’Grady:

Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton aren’t even the worst thing about GB News | Sean O’Grady

Wootton admits past ‘errors of judgment’

01:00 , Jane Dalton

Two months ago, Dan Wootton said he had made “errors of judgment in the past”, while denying “criminal allegations”.

He claimed to be the victim of a “smear campaign” after he was accused of tricking men into sending him explicit images:

GB News journalist Dan Wootton says he ‘made errors of judgment in the past’

From acting dynasty to hard-right merchant: Fox’s pathway

Wednesday 27 September 2023 23:50 , Jane Dalton

How did the actor best known as a sidekick in ITV’s inoffensive detective show Lewis fall so far, asks Katie Rosseinsky:

The rise and fall of Laurence Fox: from TV journeyman to hard right contrarian

Watch: MP refuses to boycott GB News

Wednesday 27 September 2023 22:30 , Jane Dalton

MP refuses to boycott GB News in wake of Laurence Fox’s ‘sexist’ rant

Opinion: When did TV become an ‘I wouldn’t **** that woman’ show?

Wednesday 27 September 2023 21:25 , Jane Dalton

Furores such as this so often comes back to: ‘I don’t agree with you, therefore I’m going to tell you that you’ve made yourself unattractive to men’.

As if that’s the worst insult a woman could hear; that she’s not desirable to the sort of bloke she wouldn’t touch with a barge pole, writes Claire Cohen:

When did TV become an ‘I wouldn’t **** that woman’ show? | Claire Cohen

This plays into our critics’ hands, says Wootton’s stand-in

Wednesday 27 September 2023 21:16 , Jane Dalton

The furore over Fox’s comments plays into the hands of GB News’s critics, according to the presenter standing in for Dan Wootton on tonight’s show.

Mark Dolan said what had happened was “regrettable”.

“Unfortunately this awful episode plays into the hands of our critics,” he told viewers at the start of his show. “The people who would love to see the back of GB News. That mustn’t happen.”

He claimed the channel was for people who wanted debate and diversity of opinion. “That’s the GB News way. That didn’t happen last night. In the end, a hard lesson has been learnt. We have freedom of speech but not freedom from the fallout.”

He repeated his swipe at Fox’s remarks, saying: “Whether Laurence should stay on air is not my decision, and Dan’s absence tonight is also beyond my control.

“There is an investigation ongoing, but the comments made by Laurence in my view were sexist, misogynistic and, unusually, in the frenzied climate of the so-called culture wars, have been condemned across the political spectrum from left and right.”

Tory MP urges watchdog GB News investigation – but won’t boycott channel

Wednesday 27 September 2023 20:30 , Jane Dalton

Technology secretary Michelle Donelan has urged Ofcom to look into GB News after the broadcaster suspended presenters Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox.

The Conservative MP hit out at the “unacceptable and disgraceful way” the men behaved.

Ms Donelan told Sky News’s Politics Hub: “Ofcom really do need to look at this. I was quite shocked and taken aback by the level of the comments made and the response of Dan on that show.

“It was completely unacceptable.

“I’m glad that GB News took decisive action and suspended both of them quickly today but there needs to be the next stage now and Ofcom really needs to be looking at this.”

However, she said she would not “boycott” GB News and will still appear on the channel.

MP slates Ofcom for ‘weak’ regulation

Wednesday 27 September 2023 20:00 , Jane Dalton

SNP MP John Nicolson, who sits on the culture and media Commons committee, has said no self-respecting politician should appear on GB News.

He criticised Ofcom for “being ludicrously soft” and “not enforcing its rules” and emboldening the channel.

“We could have foreseen this because of the weak regulation Ofcom offers,” he said.

“We all know Laurence Fox was recruited to say vile things,” he told Radio 4’s PM.

“Weak regulation has emboldened this dreadful channel with its daily outpouring of bile & prejudice,” he wrote on social media.

An Ofcom spokesman said: “We can confirm we’ve received a number of complaints about comments made by Laurence Fox on GB News last night.

“We are assessing these complaints against our broadcast rules and will publish the outcome as quickly as possible.”

Journalist receives threatening messages

Wednesday 27 September 2023 19:13 , Jane Dalton

The political journalist who was the subject of comments made by Fox has revealed she has received threatening messages in a “really nasty” past 24 hours.

Ava Evans said she had received an apology from GB News but had yet to decide whether to accept it.

She said she had received messages of support from the public following the incident but also “threats that have come into my inbox”.

“I don’t know where this is going to go. I don’t know how social media is going to react to the news [that Laurence Fox has been suspended],” she told the BBC Newscast podcast.

GB News editor apologises to journalist

Wednesday 27 September 2023 19:03 , Jane Dalton

Political journalist Ava Evans says she has received an apology from GB News over remarks made by Laurence Fox.

Ms Evans told the BBC Newscast podcast: “I’ve had my apology from GB News, which I was waiting for all day.

“It was an email from the editor - a very gracious email - basically telling me that what Fox said was not representative of the rest of the GB News outfit.

“That’s actually probably the best apology I could have gotten. Honestly, not to cast doubt on our media landscape, but I didn’t actually think anything was going to happen.

“I don’t want to say I’m pleased by it. I just think that’s probably the best outcome I could have hoped for.”

Asked whether she accepted the apology, she added: “Let’s just see how the investigation goes. I’m also interested to see how the Ofcom investigation goes.”

Fox did apologise once

Wednesday 27 September 2023 18:30 , Jane Dalton

In 2021, Laurence Fox did apologise – for claiming he wanted the England football team to lose at the Euros after players took the knee:

Laurence Fox apologises ‘for being a d***’ after saying he wanted England to lose in Euros

Fox wore ‘Amazon Covid mask-exemption badge'

Wednesday 27 September 2023 17:45 , Jane Dalton

At the height of the pandemic, Fox was criticised after posting a photo of himself wearing a mask exemption badge which he claims he bought on Amazon:

Laurence Fox condemned for wearing Covid ‘mask exemption badge’

Wootton 'phoned journalist numerous times after show’

Wednesday 27 September 2023 17:16 , Jane Dalton

The journalist about whom Laurence Fox made derogatory remarks on GB News says the programme’s host Dan Wootton called her “multiple times” after the show.

Ms Evans, political correspondent for online news site Joe, told her media organisation’s podcast, Pubcast: “[Dan] called me multiple times throughout the night, last night, and obviously I don’t know him.

“I do know who gave him my number, and it was a woman and I’m really disappointed in her... I think I should have been asked permission before that.

“I was getting calls up until one o’clock in the morning, voicemails... I don’t want to hear from him. This is actually nothing to do with me.”

Dan Wootton finally suspended by GB News

Wednesday 27 September 2023 16:42 , Jane Dalton

GB News has suspended Dan Wootton. Full story:

Dan Wootton finally suspended by GB News after backlash over Laurence Fox interview

Wootton replaced by Fox critic

Wednesday 27 September 2023 16:26 , Jane Dalton

Wootton is due to be replaced by colleague Mark Dolan in his usual slot at 9pm tonight.

Dolan had branded Fox’s comments “absolutely disgraceful, shameful” and that he was “beyond appalled”.

First minister brands Fox ‘vile neanderthal’

Wednesday 27 September 2023 15:38 , Jane Dalton

Scotland‘s first minister has branded Laurence Fox a “vile neanderthal”:

Fox branded ‘vile neanderthal’ by Yousaf after GB News comments

Wootton show vanishes from channel website

Wednesday 27 September 2023 15:10 , Jane Dalton

GB News appears to have removed last night’s Dan Wootton episode from its website.

This is nothing to do with me, says maligned journalist

Wednesday 27 September 2023 14:58 , Jane Dalton

Ava Evans says what makes her feel most sick about the row is that she was “just a commodity... a vehicle for content” in the discussion.

The problem was between the network, the presenter, the guest, the gallery and production of the GB News show.

It was nothing to do with her - she was given no chance to comment and no right of reply, she said, in an interview with Politics Joe, for whom she works as a political correspondent.

“I just so happen to be the person they’re talking about,” she said.

“But I’m not in the conversation. I wasn’t present for it. I didn’t ask... it’s not to do with me.”

GB News ‘has systemic problem’ over women’s sex lives discussion

Wednesday 27 September 2023 14:48 , Jane Dalton

Labour MP Stella Creasy claims GB News has a “systemic problem” that its presenters think citing a woman’s sex life is acceptable in trying to prove the woman is wrong.

Home secretary backs 'civility and respect’

Wednesday 27 September 2023 14:34 , Jane Dalton

Home Secretary Suella Braverman was asked about the row over comments made by Laurence Fox on GB News, but said: “I am not aware of this matter you are describing.

“We all need to maintain civility and respect in public and political discourse,” she added.

“Feelings might be strong, but at all times, even if we disagree strongly, we need to maintain respect for each other.”

Tory host condemns ‘indefensible’ remarks

Wednesday 27 September 2023 14:23 , Jane Dalton

Conservative MP Philip Davies, who hosts a show on GB News, has joined condemnation of Fox’s comments.

In a statement to the PA News agency he said: “Laurence Fox’s disgraceful remarks were completely unacceptable, unjustifiable and indefensible.”

GB News ‘monitoring’ Wootton claims

Wednesday 27 September 2023 14:04 , Jane Dalton

The boss of GB News says the channel is continuing to “monitor” allegations against presenter and columnist Dan Wootton which it says have not been “proven by an independent body”:

GB News ‘continues to monitor’ Dan Wootton allegations

Wootton’s online column suspended last month

Wednesday 27 September 2023 13:58 , Jane Dalton

Last month, GB News presenter Dan Wootton - now criticised for laughing at Fox’s comments - was himself suspended by MailOnline:

Dan Wootton suspended by MailOnline as ‘explicit images’ claims investigated

GB News has not apologised yet, says journalist

Wednesday 27 September 2023 13:44 , Jane Dalton

Ava Evans says she had not received an apology from GB News yet.

She said she was grateful to everyone supporting her, from MPs to journalists and people on social media.

GB News Political Correspondent slams “unacceptable” Fox rant

Wednesday 27 September 2023 13:15 , Alexander Butler

GB News’s Political Correspondent has condemned Fox’s “misogynistic” rant as “unacceptable”.

Writing on X, Olivia Utley said: “Vile, unacceptable comments from Laurence Fox. Being a woman in the media is tough enough already, no one should have to put up with this. Very glad the channel is taking it seriously.”

GB News Deputy Political Editor slams ‘shameful display'

Wednesday 27 September 2023 12:43 , Alexander Butler

The Deputy Political Editor of GB News has slammed Laurence Fox’s “misogynistic” rant on the channel as a “shameful display”

Writing on X, Tom Harwood said: Appalled to catch up with last night’s shameful display this morning. I would have thought that this investigation can be very swift and very decisive.”

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has ‘not seen’ Fox’s rant

Wednesday 27 September 2023 12:30 , Alexander Butler

GB News presenter Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has said he had not seen the comments made on air by Laurence Fox about a female journalist.

Speaking to the PA news agency at Windsor Castle after receiving his knighthood he said: “No I haven’t seen his comments last night.

“I understand he has been suspended from GB News and we can see the outcome of that, but no I don’t know the details.”

Fox claims Wootton laughed at rant after broadcast

Wednesday 27 September 2023 12:10 , Alexander Butler

Laurence Fox has claimed GB News presenter Dan Wootton laughed at his “vile” rant in a series of messages after it was broadcast on Tuesday.

Fox posted a screenshot to X, formerly Twitter, claiming to show a picture of the exchange. In the messages, Fox said: “Making you giggle is my weekly joy.”

In response, Wootton allegedly replies: “You can imagine them freaking out in the gallery” after three laughing face emojis. “So much fun”, Fox replied.

Journalist Ava Evans says she is “hurt” by Fox rant

Wednesday 27 September 2023 11:45 , Alexander Butler

Journalist Ava Evans has said she was “really hurt” by Laurence Fox’s “vile” and “misogynistic” rant about her which was broadcast on GB News on Tuesday.

Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Ms Evans said: “I think the clip speaks for itself. I am a journalist rather than a commentator and I would much rather be judged or asked about my work than my body.

“I am really hurt by it. I am shocked by it. This is the sort of talk that you worry men have about you when you’re not in the room.”

Piers Morgan hits out at ‘disgusting piece of misogynist trash’

Wednesday 27 September 2023 11:30 , Alexander Butler

Piers Morgan called Laurence Fox a “disgusting piece of misogynist trash” over his on-air remarks about journalist Ava Evans.

“Ava is a very talented journalist and delightful person,” wrote the former Good Morning Britain presenter on X, formerly Twitter. “Fox is a disgusting piece of misogynist trash.”

First Minister of Scotland calls Fox a ‘vile neanderthal'

Wednesday 27 September 2023 11:13 , Alexander Butler

The First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf has slammed Laurence Fox as a “vile neanderthal”.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Yousaf said: “What a vile neanderthal Laurence Fox is, and an example of bystander behaviour enabling such misogyny from the presenter.

“I’m so sorry Ava Evans had to listen to this. It is why men have to step up and challenge misogynistic abuse wherever we see it. Pleased Ofcom investigating.”

GB News staff furious at Fox outburst: “Tarnishing our work”

Wednesday 27 September 2023 10:33 , Alexander Butler

The Independent understands a number of reporters and producers at GB News are enraged at Fox’s outburst and were last night calling for his suspension.

One member of the on-screen team told The Independent: “We had an otherwise excellent day of exclusives on Tuesday, but the only conversation about GB News now is what Laurence Fox said last night.

“His targeted misogynistic ramblings are tarnishing our hard work. It’s inexcusable and repulsive.”

GB News suspends Fox pending investigation

Wednesday 27 September 2023 10:05 , Alexander Butler

GB News has suspended former actor and presenter Laurence Fox pending an investigation into his “misogynistic rant” about a female journalist.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the channel said: “GB News has formally suspended Laurence Fox while we continue our investigation into comments he made on the channel last night.

“Mr Fox’s suspension is effective immediately and he has been taken off air. We will be apologising formally to Ms Evans today.”

Fox stands by ‘every word’ of misogynistic rant

Wednesday 27 September 2023 09:48 , Alexander Butler

Former actor Laurence Fox has said he stands by “every word” of what he said following a “vile” and “misogynistic” rant about a female journalist on GB News.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Fox said: “I stand by every word of what I said. I am totally within my rights to say that I wouldn’t want to shag a hyper offended 4th wave feminist and not apologise.”

Ofcom has received a ‘number of complaints’ about Fox rant

Wednesday 27 September 2023 09:20 , Alexander Butler

Broadcast regulator Ofcom said it had received a “number of complaints” about former actor Laurence Fox’s “misogynistic” rant about a female journalist.

The regulator wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “We can confirm we’ve received a number of complaints about comments made by Laurence Fox on GB News last night.

“We are assessing these complaints against our broadcast rules and will publish the outcome as quickly as possible.”

GB News presenter Dan Wootton criticised for allowing Fox rant

Wednesday 27 September 2023 09:14 , Alexander Butler

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live blog. Last night, Laurence Fox was condemned for a “disgusting, misogynistic” rant on GB News. Presenter Dan Wootton was also criticised for allowing the tirade.

We will be bringing you updates as they come, including all reaction.

SNP leader condemns Fox and Wootton as ‘vile'

Wednesday 27 September 2023 09:27 , Alexander Butler

Scottish National Party leader Stephen Flynn has urged Ofcom to “step up” as he slammed Wootton and Fox as “vile”.

Writing on X, Mr Flynn said: “The vile words, of a vile man, laughed at by a vile host on a vile programme. Step up Ofcom.”