Laurence Fox – latest: GB News suspends presenter Calvin Robinson as Ava Evans issues new response

GB News presenter Calvin Robinson has said the broadcaster has suspended him after he shared his support for Dan Wootton over Laurence Fox’s comments on his show.

Robinson, who hosts a religious current affairs programme on the channel, said in a social media post on Friday that he would not appear on Dan Wootton Tonight without the suspended presenter, claiming “if he falls, we all fall”.

Wootton and Fox, an actor-turned-politician, was suspended from the channel after Fox made a series of remarks about political correspondent Ava Evans, which included asking “who would want to shag that?” during Wootton’s show on Tuesday.

On Friday, Fox said he had completed a “disciplinary hearing” ahead of his rumoured sacking from GB News.

Meanwhile, Ms Evans spoke out about the comments, describing them as “unforgiveable”.

Key Points

  • GB News chief ‘horrified' by sexist comments

  • MailOnline sacks already suspended Dan Wootton

  • GB News programme prompts 7,300 Ofcom complaints

  • Channel suspends Wootton pending investigation

  • Laurence Fox has disciplinary hearing at GB News but cannot ‘speak freely’ about it

GB News suspends another presenter over Laurence Fox Dan Wootton row

07:51 , Matt Mathers

GB News presenter Calvin Robinson has said the broadcaster has suspended him after he shared his support for Dan Wootton online.

Robinson, who hosts a religious current affairs programme on the channel, said in a social media post on Friday that he would not appear on Dan Wootton Tonight without the suspended presenter, claiming “if he falls, we all fall”.

Naomi Clarke reports:

GB News suspends another presenter over Laurence Fox Dan Wootton row

‘Alarming’ to see calls for GB News to be shut down - MP

09:10 , Matt Mathers

A senior Conservative MP has said it is “alarming” to see calls for GB News to be shut down because of the Laurence Fox scandal.

The broadcaster has come under fire after Mr Fox made widely condemned sexual comments about journalist Eva Evan on presenter Dan Wooton’s show.

Some have called for the broadcaster to be taken off air amid the ongoing row over the incident, but David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, disagrees.

“It is alarming to see calls for @GBNEWS to be shut down in the wake of Laurence Fox’s comments,” he wrote on X. “Those pushing for it clearly lack any comprehension of free speech.”

ICYMI - Laurence Fox: Journeyman from acting dynasty who became resident ranting sexist on right wing TV

07:23 , Matt Mathers

A member of the Fox acting clan once best known for his cosy role as a TV detective, Laurence Fox has swapped ITV for GB News and become an ‘anti-woke’ outrage merchant. How did he get here, asks Katie Rosseinsky?

Read Katie’s full piece here:

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

Ava Evans says Laurence Fox’s comments about her were ‘unforgivable’

06:06 , Anuj Pant

Ava Evans has described on-air comments made about her by Laurence Fox on GB News as “unforgivable”.

“It would have been horrible for a woman to hear she was being discussed in those terms in the pub,” Ms Evans said.

“It was demeaning. It was dehumanising.”

Read more:

Ava Evans says Laurence Fox’s comments about her were ‘unforgivable’

GB News boss apologises for ‘appalling’ Laurence Fox comments

06:00 , Eleanor Noyce

On-air comments by Laurence Fox about a female journalist went “way past the limits of acceptance”, the boss of GB News has said.

Angelos Frangopoulos said he was “appalled” by Fox’s remarks, which were broadcast on an episode of the channel’s Dan Wootton Tonight show on Tuesday.

Actor-turned-politician Fox has undergone a disciplinary hearing with the channel after he made a series of comments about political correspondent Ava Evans, including asking “who would want to shag that?”.

More here:

GB News boss apologises for ‘appalling’ Laurence Fox comments

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

05:00 , Eleanor Noyce

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

Fox, 45, has been suspended by GB News after he made a series of derogatory comments about Evans, a political correspondent for the online news site Joe, during a live interview with Dan Wootton on the right-leaning channel.

“Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman ever, ever, who wasn’t an incel,” Fox declared of Evans on Tuesday night (26 September).

Read more:

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

Laurence Fox: Journeyman from acting dynasty who became resident ranting sexist on Right wing TV

04:00 , Eleanor Noyce

“I say quite a lot of unfortunate things,” Laurence Fox admitted during an appearance on Good Morning Britain back in 2020. “But I think it’s really important for one to express one’s opinion, and for that opinion to be attacked or taken down with bad ideas or better ideas.” Since then, the actor has banged the free-speech drum repeatedly, stressing his right to “express one’s opinion”.

And he has also said a lot more “unfortunate things” in his new capacity as the hard right’s resident contrarian, culminating in his appearance on Dan Wootton’s GB News show on Tuesday night, when he made offensive and misogynistic comments about the political journalist Ava Evans. “Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman ever, ever, who wasn’t an incel,” he said. “We don’t need those sorts of feminist 4.0. They’re pathetic and embarrassing, Who’d want to shag that?”

A member of the Fox acting clan once best known for his cosy role as a TV detective, Laurence Fox has swapped ITV for GB News and become an ‘anti-woke’ outrage merchant. How did he get here, asks Katie Rosseinsky?:

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

MPs who host shows on GB News accused of ‘accepting’ Laurence Fox’s ‘vile’ comments about journalist Ava Evans

03:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Journalist Ava Evans has claimed that MPs who present GB News and have not spoken out against Laurence Fox’s “vile” comments about her are “accepting” of them.

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid asked Ms Evans if it is appropriate for Conservative MPs to appear on a channel that has broadcast “this content”.

Ms Evans said the fact that some MPs who present on GB News have not spoken out against what was said by Fox and fellow presenter Dan Wootton implies “they have accepted it”.

MPs who host shows on GB News accused of ‘accepting’ Laurence Fox’s ‘vile’ comments

LBC’s Nick Ferrari sends message to Laurence Fox over Ava Evans rant: ‘Ofcom will be sharpening their teeth’

02:00 , Eleanor Noyce

LBC’s Nick Ferrari has sent a message to Laurence Fox over his “vile” Ava Evans rant.

The radio presenter said that Evans began her career as a researcher on his show and said she is “a far better broadcaster” than Fox “will ever be”.

Ferrari then went on to suggest that Ofcom are likely “sharpening their teeth” and could come down hard on GB News.

“Don’t let them suggest that they are being censored, these are repugnant, antediluvian views that have no place on any broadcast channel,” he said, speaking about Fox’s outburst, which was also described as “vile” by MP Stephen Flynn.

LBC’s Nick Ferrari sends pointed message to Laurence Fox over his Ava Evans rant

ICYMI: Laurence Fox expects GB News to sack him and Dan Wootton as he finally apologises to journalist

01:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Right-wing commentator Laurence Fox has admitted he expects GB News bosses to sack him and fellow presenter Dan Wootton – after more than two days of public uproar over his offensive and sexist comments to a female journalist.

Fox also finally apologised to the journalist Ava Evans, admitting he had been “demeaning” towards her – but in a rambling 15-minute video tirade on social media he sought to justify his rant, saying he stood by the sentiment he had expressed.

The actor-turned-politician made a series of remarks about political correspondent Ms Evans, which included asking “who would want to s*** that?” during a discussion on Dan Wootton Tonight on Tuesday.

Read more:

Laurence Fox expects GB News to sack him and Dan Wootton as he finally apologises

Who is Dan Wootton? GB News host facing sex pic scandal suspended over Laurence Fox interview

Saturday 30 September 2023 00:01 , Eleanor Noyce

GB News presenter Dan Wootton has been suspended by the channel and sacked by MailOnline after an interview with Laurence Fox faced widespread criticism.

The 40-year-old host was taken off air on Wednesday after failing to stop Fox’s ‘misogynist’ outburst and laughing at derogatory comments about Ava Evans, a political correspondent for online news site, Joe. GB News, which has billed itself as the “home of free speech”, has also banned Fox from further appearances and promised a “full investigation”.

Wooton’s woes deepened on Thursday when the Mail website said it had terminated his column, which had already been put on hold following separate allegations against him.

Barney Davis has more:

All you need to know about Dan Wootton as GB News host suspended over Fox interview

GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry clashes with former home secretary over Laurence Fox interview

Friday 29 September 2023 23:00 , Eleanor Noyce

GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry clashed with former home secretary Jacqui Smith during a debate on the future of the news channel following Laurence Fox’s rant against Ava Evans.

The pair went head-to-head on Good Morning Britain on Friday, with Ms Dewberry accusing Ms Smith of “chuckling” at one of the points she was making on impartiality.

“Don’t have a go at me, Michelle,” Ms Smith responded during the exchange.

After a bit of back and forth, she then asked the GB News presenter to clarify her “actual point” instead of “accusing” her of laughing.

GB News presenter clashes with former home secretary over Laurence Fox interview

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

Friday 29 September 2023 22:00 , Eleanor Noyce

I see Laurence Fox is in the news again. “Fox News”, you might say.

As one of the repertory company of dual-purpose pundits and presenters in the alt-right echo chamber that is GB News, the former moderately successful actor went off on a rant on the Dan Wooton Show about a perfectly decent journalist, Ava Evans.

Both Fox and Wootton have since been suspended by the channel, which said it would be investigating Fox’s comments – which came after Evans, a correspondent with PoliticsJoe, said on TalkTV that “men should be frightened to touch women in a way they are not comfortable with”.

Sean O’Grady writes:

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

Channelling anger: Why GB News matters (but not in the way they think)

Friday 29 September 2023 21:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Laurence Fox may well be a towering intellect and the rightful heir to Gielgud and Olivier, but loyalty is perhaps not his strongest card. Within hours of being suspended by GB News for his smutty teenage giggling act, he dobbed in his fellow presenter.

The Times columnist Danny Finkelstein drily tweeted a comparison with the German theologian who famously stood up to the Nazis: “As Pastor Niemöller might have put it: ‘Then they came for each other.’”

Fox’s co-presenter, Dan Wootton – yes, that one – had offered a belated weasel apology for grinning throughout Fox’s misogynist monologue about girls and shagging. But Fox was having none of it, and – pronouncing that “honesty is the best policy” – promptly tweeted an exchange of texts that somewhat undermined the sincerity of Wootton’s apology. Wootton was himself duly suspended.

The misogynistic double act of Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton will soon be forgotten, writes Alan Rusbridger, but it’s clear that GB News is hurtling down a path towards the kind of dangerous unregulated broadcasting landscape occupied by America’s Fox News, giggling as it goes. Here’s why it’s no laughing matter:

Opinion: Channelling anger: Why GB News matters (but not in the way they think)

Letters: GB News has debased the concept of ‘free speech’

Friday 29 September 2023 20:00 , Athena Stavrou

In a letter sent to our editor at The Independent, readers expressed their view that GB News has “debased the concept of free speech”, amid the Laurence Fox controversy:

Letters: GB News has debased the concept of ‘free speech’

GB News presenter clashes with former home secretary on GMB: 'Don't have a go at me'

Friday 29 September 2023 19:00 , Eleanor Noyce

GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry clashed with former home secretary Jacqui Smith during a debate on the future of the news channel following Laurence Fox’s rant against Ava Evans.

The pair went head-to-head on Good Morning Britain on Friday morning, with Ms Dewberry accusing Ms Smith of “chuckling” at one of the points she was making on impartiality.

“Don’t have a go at me, Michelle,” Ms Smith responded during the exchange.

After a bit of back and forth, she then asked the GB News presenter to clarify her “actual point” instead of “accusing” her of laughing.

Lee Anderson to interview Suella Braverman on GB News

Friday 29 September 2023 18:00 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox is not the only controvery controversial broadcaster GB News is facing at the moment.

The channel is embroiled in a Tory bias row tonight after announcing Suella Braverman will be interviewed by her own party’s deputy chair – just a week after the right-wing news channel was sanctioned over impartiality.

Lee Anderson, the divisive Ashfield MP will meet the home secretary for a cosy sit down after her return from the US, where she delivered a speech calling for a crackdown on gay and female asylum seekers.

Tory deputy chairman to interview Braverman on GB News a week after sanction

Laurence Fox has disciplinary hearing at GB News but cannot ‘speak freely’ about it

Friday 29 September 2023 17:40 , Eleanor Noyce

Laurence Fox has said he has had a disciplinary hearing at GB News but cannot “speak freely” about it.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Just completed my GB News show trial. I mean disciplinary hearing. I think the rules are that I can’t speak freely about it. Which is totally on brand. For the home of free speech.”

Ava Evans defends comments on ‘minister for men’ debate

Friday 29 September 2023 17:00 , Athena Stavrou

Ava Evans has shared her latest thoughts on the Laurence Fox controversy.

During a sit down on BBC’s Politics Live, Ava discussed male mental health, specifically the idea of a government minister for men.

“I feel like it feeds into the culture a little bit, this “minister for men” argument. In my mind there should be a minister for mental health which should be all encompassing,” she said.

She added: “It’s a crisis that’s syndemic throughout the country not specific to men and I think a lot of ministers come and bandi this about to sort of make an enemy out of women.”

On Dan Wootton’s GB News show on Tuesday, Fox then made sexist remarks regarding Ms Evans while discussing her comments.

In a post on X on Friday afternoon Ms Evans wrote: “Says something about the period of post truth we’re in that I can say we need a minister for mental health and somehow that’s been reimagined as laughing at suicide.”

Voices: Why GB News Matters (but not in the way they think)

Friday 29 September 2023 16:00 , Athena Stavrou

As Laurence Fox says GB News is no longer “the home of free speech”, Alan Rusbridger explains why the situation the controversial channel in in matters:

Opinion: Channelling anger: Why GB News matters (but not in the way they think)

Elon Musk weighs in on GB News debate

Friday 29 September 2023 14:59 , Athena Stavrou

Elon Musk says “men are killing themselves from sadness,” in response to the Laurence Fox controversy.

Laurence Fox has been subject to public outrage since he made sexist comments about a woman journalist on Tuesday on GB News.

The segment, hosted by Dan Wootton who is also suspended from the channel, discussed comments made by Ava Evans in relation to male suicide.

Fox admits the comments made about Ms Evans were “disrespectful”.

Replying to a video posted on X by Fox, Musk said: “Men are killing themselves from sadness.”

Fox denies comments were ‘misogynistic'

Friday 29 September 2023 14:30 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox says he does not believe his comments about a female journalist were ‘misogynistic’ but admits they were “disrespecful”.

The suspended GB News presenter also apologised for the “poorly expressed” comments that “demeaned” Ava Evans.

Speaking about his comments on the TRIGGERnometry podcast on Friday afternoon, Fox said: “I don’t think it’s misogony but I think it’s disrespectful.”

The actor-turned-politician made a series of remarks about political correspondent Ms Evans, which included asking “who would want to s*** that?” during a discussion on Dan Wootton Tonight on Tuesday night.

Both Fox and Wootton, who could be heard laughing during the segment, were suspended by GB News amid an internal investigation and a probe by regulator Ofcom, who received around 7,300 complaints about the episode.

Fox concerned he will ‘have to leave the UK'

Friday 29 September 2023 14:05 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence fox says he is ‘concerned’ he will “have to leave the UK” following his GB News rant controversy.

The 45-year-old said “I’m going to have to leave the UK I think. That’s my main concern,” speaking on the TRIGGERnometry podcast on Friday afternoon.

He added: “I’ve got to make a living. I’ve got two kids to clothe and feed.”

The controversial figure has faced uproar and suspension from GB News following sexist comments he made about a woman journalist.

He added that he is ‘expecting to be axed’ at a disciplinary hearing at 2pm this afternoon.

Fox ‘found out about suspension from a mobile news alert'

Friday 29 September 2023 13:40 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox claims he found out about his GB News suspension from a ‘mobile phone news alert’.

Fox was suspended by the broadcaster on Wednesday morning following sexist comments he made about female journalist Ava Evans. His colleague Dan Wootton was also suspended shortly after on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking on the TRIGGERnometry podcast on Friday afternoon, Fox said he had not heard from GB News since the uproar and found out about his suspension from a news notification on his phone.

Laurence Fox says he has ‘not been sacked yet’

Friday 29 September 2023 13:17 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox has ‘not been sacked yet’, the former actor said on Friday afternoon.

Speaking on the TRIGGERnometry podcast, Fox said he has not yet been fired by the broadcasters, following his suspension on Wednesday morning.

Fox claims he has a disciplinary hearing at 2pm on Friday and added he is: “Hired by them [GB News] for the next 20 minutes probably”

The controversial figure said yesterday that he was expecting to be axed by the channel following his comments about Ava Evans made on Tuesday evening.

Fox says he was “trying to be funny”

Friday 29 September 2023 13:12 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox says he was “trying to be funny” when he made sexist comments on GB News.

Speaking about his controversial appearnce on Dan Wootton’s show on Tuesday evening Fox said: “I was also trying to be funny. Big mistake.”

The former actor admitted on the TRIGGERnometry podcast on Friday afternoon that his comments were “crass” and “crap” but said he doesn’t think they have merited the “wall to wall” media attention they have received.

Third GB News presenter ‘suspended'

Friday 29 September 2023 13:03 , Athena Stavrou

GB News presenter Reverend Calvin Robinson claims he has been suspended by GB News after refusing to appear on the Dan Wootton’s show without the presenter.

The channel have not yet commented on or confirmed his suspension.

Earlier, Rev Robinson wrote on X that he “will not be appearing on Dan Wootton Tonight without Dan Wootton.”

The British cleric and conservative political commentator added: “We failed as a community to stand up for Mark Steyn. If we let them do the same to Dan, it’s over. The channel will be on borrowed time, we will all be the next in the firing line.”

He also claimed that channel bosses were “scared” and encouraged his colleagues to ‘stand up’ for the suspended host and that “If he [Wootton] falls, we all fall”.

Just three hours after his post, Rev Robinson posted that he had “been suspended from GB News”.

Laurence Fox quoted the post and wrote: “The home of cancel culture continues its cull of the courageous. @GBNEWS showing itself for just what it is. Feeding the mob more and more meat in the hope they will eventually become satisfied.”

Fox claims media ‘rescinded offers’ after requesting live interviews only

Friday 29 September 2023 12:25 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox claims that media channels ‘rescinded interview offers’, after he requested it to be ‘live and unedited’.

Fox said in a post on X that “every” mainstream media channel had apparently called him on Tuesday evening following his controversial appearence on Dan Wootton’s show.

The former actor says he was “happy to do an interview as long as it was live and unedited”, which led to them consequently ‘rescinding’ the offer, according to Fox.

He will instead appear in an exclusive live interview this afternoon on the TRIGGERnometry podcast.

Fox to give ‘exclusive interview’ on GB News fallout

Friday 29 September 2023 11:44 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox is due to give an exclusive interview discussing ‘the future of GB News’ this afternoon.

Fox reposted a post from the TRIGGERnometry podcast announcing the interview, that is set to go live at 12:15pm on Friday.

The podcast anticipates that Fox will be discussing the “furore” and the “apology” he issued following his sexist rant on GB News on Tuesday evening.

Carol Vorderman weighs in on Tory MP interview with Suella Braverman

Friday 29 September 2023 11:15 , Athena Stavrou

Carol Vorderman says Lee Anderson MP’s upcoming interview with Suella Braverman “seems like a challenge to Ofcom”.

Conservative vice chairman and GB News presenter Lee Anderson’s interview with the Home Secretary is set to air on Friday at 7pm.

With four serving Tory MPs on its bankroll, GB News has been coming under increasing scrutiny from Ofcom over the practice, and has once been found to have breached the rules when two Tory MPs interviewed a Tory chancellor.

Carol Vorderman tweeted her opinion on the matter, responding to a comment from Tory MP John Nicolson, saying the “tipping point” for the channel is ‘getting closer’.

GB News boss Angelos Frangopoulos insisted the MPs’ work is “absolutely permitted under the Ofcom rules”, arguing that none of them host “a news bulletin-based programme”.

“If that changes in the future then obviously we’ll look at it,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

GB News presenter refuses to appear on Dan Wootton show ‘without Dan Wootton"

Friday 29 September 2023 10:45 , Athena Stavrou

GB News presenter Calvin Robinson has tweeted his support for his colleague Dan Wootton, following his suspension from the channel.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Robinson said he “will not be appearing on Dan Wootton Tonight without Dan Wootton.”

The British cleric and conservative political commentator added: “We failed as a community to stand up for Mark Steyn. If we let them do the same to Dan, it’s over. The channel will be on borrowed time, we will all be the next in the firing line.”

He also claimed that channel bosses were “scared” and encouraged his colleagues to ‘stand up’ for the suspended host.

Laurence Fox quoted the post and said: “There are very few courageous people in this world. @calvinrobinson is one of them.”

Dan Wootton was suspended by GB News on Wednesday afternoon following his reaction to Laurence Fox’s sexist comments on his show on Tuesday night.

The chief executive of GB News Angelos Frangopoulos told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday morning that the channel has a “process to follow”, but expects the internal investigation to be “resolved very quickly”.

GB News boss defends Tory MP ‘interview’ with Suella Braverman

Friday 29 September 2023 10:15 , Athena Stavrou

The boss of GB News has insisted that an “interview” of Home Secretary Suella Braverman by her Conservative colleague Lee Anderson will be “duly impartial”.

Angelos Frangopoulos defended the broadcaster’s practice of getting Conservative MPs who are being paid to host shows to have discussions with their colleagues in Government.

With four serving Tory MPs on its bankroll, GB News has been coming under increasing scrutiny from Ofcom over the practice, and has once been found to have breached the rules.

Mr Frangopoulos insisted the MPs’ work is “absolutely permitted under the Ofcom rules”, arguing that none of them host “a news bulletin-based programme”.

“If that changes in the future then obviously we’ll look at it,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

He billed their discussion that will be aired on Lee Anderson’s Real World on Friday evening as an “exclusive scoop”, and as the “first interview on British soil since her landmark speech this week in the US”.

GB News presenter clashes with former home secretary on GMB: 'Don't have a go at me'

Friday 29 September 2023 09:45 , Athena Stavrou

GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry clashed with former home secretary Jacqui Smith during a debate on the future of the news channel.

The pair went head-to-head on Good Morning Britain on Friday, with Ms Dewberry accusing Ms Smith of “chuckling” at one of the points she was making on impartiality.

“Don’t have a go at me, Michelle,” Ms Smith responded during the exchange.

After a bit of back and forth, she then asked the GB News presenter to clarify her “actual point” instead of “accusing” her of laughing.

GB News boss ‘appalled’ by Laurence Fox’s comments

Friday 29 September 2023 09:15 , Athena Stavrou

The chief executive of GB News says he was “appalled” by comments made by Laurence Fox on Dan Wootton’s show on Tuesday evening.

Angelos Frangopoulos told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Fox’s comments were “way past the limits of acceptance” as he launches as investigation into the incident.

GB News boss issues apology to Ava Evans

Friday 29 September 2023 08:55 , Athena Stavrou

The chief executive of GB News has issued a personal apology to Ava Evans following Laurence Fox’s sexist comments aired on the channel.

Angelos Frangopoulos said Laurence Fox’s comments were “way past the limits of acceptance” and “do not reflect” what the media company believe is an “appropriate conversation”.

He said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: That should not have happened. The way it was handled was also not the way it should have happened.

“They did not reflect what we believe is appropriate conversation as a media company, as a part of the national conversation, it really is an apology, it was just really inappropriate.”

GB News chief “horrified” by sexist comments.

Friday 29 September 2023 08:30 , Athena Stavrou

The chief executive of GB News says he was “appalled” by comments made by Laurence Fox on Dan Wootton’s show.

In his first interview since the incident, Angelos Frangopoulos told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the broadcaster has a “process to follow”, but expects the internal investigation to be “resolved very quickly”.

The former Sky News Australia chief executive added: “I was appalled by those comments they are not in keeping with the values with us as a business and obviously we took action immediately.

“…I was horrified by what was said….that comment should not have gone to air.”

Angelos Frangopoulos says he was “appalled” and “horrified” by the controversial comments (PA Archive)
Angelos Frangopoulos says he was “appalled” and “horrified” by the controversial comments (PA Archive)

Morning round-up

Friday 29 September 2023 08:11 , Athena Stavrou

Good morning, here’s your round-up of the latest updates on Laurence Fox:

Fox: I’ll be sacked

In a 15-minute video posted to X on Thursday night, Laurence Fox admitted he expects his bosses to sack both him and Dan Wootton on Friday morning.

The right-wing former actor said: “I know I’m going to get sacked tomorrow. I’m saying this stuff to clear my own conscience.”

Ofcom investigating Dan Wootton’s GB News show

Ofcom received around 7,300 complaints about the Tuesday programme of Wootton’s show which saw guest Laurence Fox make a series of personal remarks about a female journalist.

It is investigating under Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code which states when “applying generally accepted standards broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context”.

Laurence Fox apologises for ‘demeaning’ comments made about Ava Evans on GB News

Laurence Fox apologised for his comments made on GB News about journalist Ava Evans, saying “I’m sorry for demeaning you in that way”.

MailOnline terminates contract with columnist Dan Wootton amid GB News furore

Dan Wootton’s MailOnline column has been terminated following his suspension from GB News over remarks about a female journalist made by Laurence Fox on the broadcaster’s show.

The 40-year-old had written a regular column for the online outlet since 2021 but it was paused in August while the publication investigated allegations he used a pseudonym and offered colleagues money for sexual material.

ICYMI: Ava Evans says getting Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox suspended from GB News was not ‘a goal’

Friday 29 September 2023 06:00 , Eleanor Noyce

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 (27 September) 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.”

More here:

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

MPs who host shows on GB News accused of ‘accepting’ Laurence Fox’s ‘vile’ comments about journalist Ava Evans

Friday 29 September 2023 05:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Journalist Ava Evans has claimed that MPs who present GB News and have not spoken out against Laurence Fox’s “vile” comments about her are “accepting” of them.

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid asked Ms Evans if it is appropriate for Conservative MPs to appear on a channel that has broadcast “this content”.

Ms Evans said the fact that some MPs who present on GB News have not spoken out against what was said by Fox and fellow presenter Dan Wootten implies “they have accepted it”.

MPs who host shows on GB News accused of ‘accepting’ Laurence Fox’s ‘vile’ comments

LBC’s Nick Ferrari sends message to Laurence Fox over Ava Evans rant: ‘Ofcom will be sharpening their teeth’

Friday 29 September 2023 04:00 , Eleanor Noyce

LBC’s Nick Ferrari has sent a message to Laurence Fox over his “vile” Ava Evans rant.

The radio presenter said that Evans began her career as a researcher on his show and said she is “a far better broadcaster” than Fox “will ever be”.

Ferrari then went on to suggest that Ofcom are likely “sharpening their teeth” and could come down hard on GB News.

“Don’t let them suggest that they are being censored, these are repugnant, antediluvian views that have no place on any broadcast channel,” he said, speaking about Fox’s outburst, which was also described as “vile” by MP Stephen Flynn.

LBC’s Nick Ferrari sends pointed message to Laurence Fox over his Ava Evans rant

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

Friday 29 September 2023 03:00 , Eleanor Noyce

I see Laurence Fox is in the news again. “Fox News”, you might say.

As one of the repertory company of dual-purpose pundits and presenters in the alt-right echo chamber that is GB News, the former moderately successful actor went off on a rant on the Dan Wooton Show about a perfectly decent journalist, Ava Evans.

Both Fox and Wootton have since been suspended by the channel, which said it would be investigating Fox’s comments – which came after Evans, a correspondent with PoliticsJoe, said on TalkTV that “men should be frightened to touch women in a way they are not comfortable with”.

The misogynistic incident involving Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton – and the resulting suspensions – will not surprise anybody who is familiar with the channel, writes Sean O’Grady:

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

ICYMI: Media regulator Ofcom investigating Dan Wootton’s GB News show

Friday 29 September 2023 02:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The media regulator has launched an official investigation into an episode of GB News show Dan Wootton Tonight following the presenter having his contract terminated by MailOnline where he wrote a column.

Ofcom received around 7,300 complaints about the Tuesday programme of Wootton’s show which saw guest Laurence Fox make a series of personal remarks about a female journalist.

It is investigating under Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code which states when “applying generally accepted standards broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context”.

Read more:

Media regulator Ofcom investigating Dan Wootton’s GB News show

Who is Dan Wootton? GB News host facing sex pic scandal suspended over Laurence Fox interview

Friday 29 September 2023 01:00 , Eleanor Noyce

GB News presenter Dan Wootton has been suspended by the channel and sacked by MailOnline after an interview with Laurence Fox faced widespread criticism.

The 40-year-old host was taken off air on Wednesday after failing to stop Fox’s ‘misogynist’ outburst and laughing at derogatory comments about Ava Evans, a political correspondent for online news site, Joe. GB News, which has billed itself as the “home of free speech”, has also banned Fox from further appearances and promised a “full investigation”.

Wooton’s woes deepened on Thursday when the Mail website said it had terminated his column, which had already been put on hold following separate allegations against him.

Read more:

All you need to know about Dan Wootton as GB News host suspended over Fox interview

Laurence Fox: Journeyman from acting dynasty who became resident ranting sexist on Right wing TV

Friday 29 September 2023 00:01 , Eleanor Noyce

“I say quite a lot of unfortunate things,” Laurence Fox admitted during an appearance on Good Morning Britain back in 2020. “But I think it’s really important for one to express one’s opinion, and for that opinion to be attacked or taken down with bad ideas or better ideas.” Since then, the actor has banged the free-speech drum repeatedly, stressing his right to “express one’s opinion”.

And he has also said a lot more “unfortunate things” in his new capacity as the hard right’s resident contrarian, culminating in his appearance on Dan Wootton’s GB News show on Tuesday night, when he made offensive and misogynistic comments about the political journalist Ava Evans. “Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman ever, ever, who wasn’t an incel,” he said. “We don’t need those sorts of feminist 4.0. They’re pathetic and embarrassing, Who’d want to shag that?”

A member of the Fox acting clan once best known for his cosy role as a TV detective, Laurence Fox has swapped ITV for GB News and become an ‘anti-woke’ outrage merchant. How did he get here, asks Katie Rosseinsky?

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

ICYMI: MailOnline terminates contract with columnist Dan Wootton amid GB News furore

Thursday 28 September 2023 23:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Dan Wootton’s MailOnline column has been terminated following his suspension from GB News over remarks about a female journalist made by Laurence Fox on the broadcaster’s show.

The 40-year-old had written a regular column for the online outlet since 2021 but it was paused in August while the publication investigated allegations he used a pseudonym and offered colleagues money for sexual material.

Wootton previously said he had made “errors of judgment” in the past but branded the “criminal allegations” as “simply untrue”.

Read more:

MailOnline terminates contract with columnist Dan Wootton amid GB News furore

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

Thursday 28 September 2023 22:00 , Eleanor Noyce

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

Fox, 45, has been suspended by GB News after he made a series of derogatory comments about Evans, a political correspondent for the online news site Joe, during a live interview with Dan Wootton on the right-leaning channel.

“Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman ever, ever, who wasn’t an incel,” Fox declared of Evans on Tuesday night (26 September).

Read more:

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

Laurence Fox apologises for ‘demeaning’ comments made about Ava Evans on GB News

Thursday 28 September 2023 21:23 , Eleanor Noyce

Laurence Fox has apologised for his comments made on GB News about journalist Ava Evans, saying “I’m sorry for demeaning you in that way”.

Actor-turned-politician Fox made a series of remarks about political correspondent Ms Evans, which included asking “who would want to shag that?” during a discussion on Dan Wootton Tonight on Tuesday.

Both Fox and Wootton, who could be heard laughing during the segment, were suspended by GB News amid an internal investigation and a probe by regulator Ofcom, who received around 7,300 complaints about the episode.

Read more:

Laurence Fox apologises for ‘demeaning’ comments made about Ava Evans on GB News

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

Thursday 28 September 2023 20:55 , Jane Dalton

In case you missed it, Tory MP Caroline Nokes has criticised a number of her Conservative colleagues for “swanning off” to host shows on GB News:

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

Laurence Fox says he expects to be fired issuing half-apology for GB News sexist rant

Thursday 28 September 2023 20:36 , Eleanor Noyce

Right-wing commentator Laurence Fox has admitted he expects GB News bosses to sack him and Dan Wootton tomorrow – after more than 48 hours of public uproar over his offensive, sexist comments to a female journalist.

Watch:

Fox apologises to journalist at last

Thursday 28 September 2023 19:39 , Jane Dalton

Fox issued an apology to journalist Ava Evans for “demeaning” her – but also played for sympathy by saying his words had demeaned him, too.

In a video on social media trying to justify his mysogyny, he said: “If I was going to be sensible and I could replay it, I would say: ‘Any self-respecting man in 2023 would probably be well advised to avoid a woman who possessed that world view because she would probably cause him nothing but harm’.

“But what I did say was, you know, ‘I wouldn’t shag that’, and all that sort of stuff, which is not right. It’s demeaning to her, to Ava, so I’m sorry for demeaning you in that way.

“However angry I am with you still for doing that, and it demeans me because it’s not representative of who I am.”

He described what he’d done as “banterish”.

 (Laurence Fox / X)
(Laurence Fox / X)

Fox: I’ll be sacked in the morning

Thursday 28 September 2023 19:34 , Jane Dalton

GB News commentator Laurence Fox has admitted he expects his bosses to sack him and Dan Wootton tomorrow – after more than 48 hours of public outrage over his offensive and sexist tirade in a live broadcast.

In a rambling 15-minute video in which he tried to defend his misogyny, the right-wing former actor said: “I know I’m going to get sacked tomorrow. I’m saying this stuff to clear my own conscience.”

He admitted his language had been “cack-handed” but said he stood by the sentiment he had expressed in his rant, which led to his and Wootton’s being suspended from the channel.

And Fox had a swipe at GB News for allegedly “opening themselves up to the cancellation mob”.

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

Thursday 28 September 2023 18:30 , Jane Dalton

The preponderance of serving and former right-wing politicians on the channel should itself disqualify them from holding a broadcasting licence, writes Sean O’Grady:

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

Sunak gives Lee Anderson ‘total support’ amid GB News job row

Thursday 28 September 2023 17:46 , Jane Dalton

Rishi Sunak has backed Tory MP Lee Anderson as doing a “fantastic job” for his constituents, despite facing criticism for having a £100,000 second job as a GB News presenter:

Sunak gives Lee Anderson ‘total support’ amid criticism of GB News job

Tory chairman to interview Braverman on GB News

Thursday 28 September 2023 17:05 , Jane Dalton

Tory chairman Lee Anderson will interview home secretary Suella Braverman on GB News, just a week after the right-wing news channel was sanctioned over impartiality:

Tory Chairman to interview Braverman on GB News a week after impartiality sanction

Fox plans 7pm statement

Thursday 28 September 2023 16:31 , Jane Dalton

Suspended GB News commentator Laurence Fox says he plans to release a filmed statement at 7pm today on social media.

Earlier, he Fox, tweeted: “Just so we are clear. I would rather scrub toilets for the rest of my days and retain my dignity. Than shill for cash and opportunity, only to compromise absolutely everything which really matters in life.”

He has already said he is expecting to be dropped by GB News.

GB News host ‘fancied’ woman he ‘hates’ in resurfaced audio

Thursday 28 September 2023 15:50 , Jane Dalton

GB News host Nick Dixon apparently went unchallenged when he talked of “slightly fancying” a woman he “hated” in a resurfaced audio.

During an episode last month of his podcast, Dixon openly said she reminded him of the “narcissistic but quite attractive” women he said he was drawn to.

Talk TV’s Rosanna Lockwood, the subject of Dixon’s comments, highlighted what he said, adding: “Critique me and my work all you like - that’s part of the deal. But don’t appraise me like I’m some sort of dating prospect, just because I’m a woman.

“Stop embarrassing yourself. Imagine any other industry in which people would broadcast comments about their peers like this.”

Fox’s sexist comments prompt 7,300 Ofcom complaints

Thursday 28 September 2023 15:17 , Jane Dalton

Around 7,300 complaints were made to Ofcom about Tuesday’s episode of Dan Wootton Tonight on GB News, the broadcasting regulator says.

Ofcom has now launched an investigation into the programme.

The regulator said it was investigating under rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code, which states when “applying generally accepted standards, broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context”.

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom chief executive, said: “Over the last few days there has been speculation and commentary about our role as the independent broadcast regulator. These are important issues and I wanted to be clear about our rules.

“Parliament sets objectives on how the broadcast sector should be regulated. We set and enforce rules to achieve these objectives. Contrary to some claims, these rules remain unchanged.

“They are designed to protect audiences from offensive and harmful material, and to uphold the integrity of broadcast news and current affairs programming, while always ensuring that freedom of expression is front and centre in every decision we take. This is highly valued by audiences and central to our democracy.

“The decisions we take, always based on facts and evidence once a programme has aired, are vital if we are to protect our vibrant media landscape. We continue to apply and enforce these rules without fear or favour.”

Why keep Fox on air, asks shadow culture secretary

Thursday 28 September 2023 15:15 , Jane Dalton

The shadow culture secretary has questioned why ask why a national broadcaster would want to keep Laurence Fox on air.

Thangam Debbonaire tweeted that “woman-hating on air has hit a new low”, asking: “Should we have to tell a broadcaster that on-air woman-hate is not OK? It’s tiring and it takes us away from what we do. Men need to step up.

“When other men do this woman-hate on air/anywhere they’re doing it to your sisters, mothers, friends, colleagues We don’t need you to speak FOR us or over us. We need you to act! Today notice when we get silenced & make time & effort to amplify the voices of women.”

Dan Wootton fired by MailOnline: full story

Thursday 28 September 2023 14:57 , Jane Dalton

Dan Wootton’s contract as a columnist for MailOnline has been terminated:

Dan Wootton fired by MailOnline after GB News Laurence Fox scandal

MailOnline axes Wootton as columnist

Thursday 28 September 2023 14:33 , Jane Dalton

MailOnline has terminated the contract of columnist Dan Wootton, a spokesperson for the news site’s parent company said.

The 40-year-old had written a regular column for the online outlet since 2021 but it was put on hold last month while the publication investigated allegations that he used a pseudonym and offered colleagues money for sexual material.

The parent company of MailOnline said it had decided to terminate his column and contract.

A spokesperson for DMG Media said: “Following events this week, DMG Media can confirm that Dan Wootton’s freelance column with MailOnline, which had already been paused, has now been terminated, along with his contract.”

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

Baroness calls Fox a “d**k” for GB News comments

Thursday 28 September 2023 14:30 , Athena Stavrou

Baroness Joan Bakewell has called Laurence Fox a “d**k” on Thursday amid his GB News suspension.

Fox responded to a clip of the video, shared on Times Radio, saying: “This is completely acceptable.”

Fox pays tribute to Harry Potter actor amidst GB News suspension

Thursday 28 September 2023 14:00 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox has paid tribute to Dumbledore actor Sir Michael Gambon amidst his GB News controversy.

Actor Sir Michael Gambon has died peacefully in hospital aged 82, his family said on Thursday.

Fox, a former actor himself, paid tribute to the late actor on X, previously known as Twitter.

He said: “I had the great honour of working with Sir Michael in Gosford Park. He was the most mischievous, hilarious and intimidating man. When he spoke, the whole room would fall silent. His voice was otherworldly, as was his talent.

“A great loss of a mighty actor. R.I.P

Who is Dan Wootton?

Thursday 28 September 2023 13:30 , Athena Stavrou

The GB News host has been suspended over a Laurence Fox interview in which he laughed at “vile” remarks made about a woman journalist.

But who is Dan Wooton? Barney Davis reports:

All you need to know about Dan Wootton as GB News host suspended over Fox interview

MP presenters ‘accept’ Laurence Fox’s GB News comments, Ava Evans claims

Thursday 28 September 2023 12:59 , Athena Stavrou

Journalist Ava Evans has claimed that MPs who present GB News and have not spoken out against Laurence Fox’s “vile” comments about her are “accepting” of them.

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid asked Ms Evans if it is appropriate for Conservative MPs to appear on a channel that has broadcast “this content”.

Ms Evans said the fact that some MPs who present on GB News have not spoken out against what was said by Fox and fellow presenter Dan Wootten implies “they have accepted it”.

LBC’s Nick Ferrari says ‘Ofcom will be sharpening their teeth’

Thursday 28 September 2023 12:39 , Athena Stavrou

LBC’s Nick Ferrari has sent a message to Laurence Fox over his “vile” Ava Evans rant.

The radio presenter said that Evans began her career as a researcher on his show and said she is “a far better broadcaster” than Fox “will ever be”.

Ferrari then went on to suggest that Ofcom are likely “sharpening their teeth” and could come down hard on GB News.

“Don’t let them suggest that they are being censored, these are repugnant, antediluvian views that have no place on any broadcast channel,” he said, speaking about Fox’s outburst, which was also described as “vile” by MP Stephen Flynn.

Laurence Fox expecting “the chop” from channel bosses

Thursday 28 September 2023 11:49 , Athena Stavrou

Laurence Fox says he is “waiting for the chop” ahead of a disciplinary meeting with GB News channel bosses on Friday.

The 45-year-old took to social media platform X to share his thoughts on the incident, in which he was suspended for a “vile” rant about a woman journalist.

Fox said he is due to have a disciplinary hearing later this week and is “waiting for the chop”. He also claims he has not “heard a word” from the broadcaster.

As of yet, he has refused to directly apologise for the remarks but did say in a social media post: “I own my mistakes and take full responsibility for them.”

Fox also said GB News has forgotten “why they came into existence” and is no longer the “home of free speech”.

Shortly after suspending both Fox and Wootton, the channel said in a statement that they are conducting a full investigation into the incident.

Laurence Fox claims he has not “heard a word” from GB News. (PA Archive)
Laurence Fox claims he has not “heard a word” from GB News. (PA Archive)

Laurence Fox: How a TV journeyman from an acting dynasty became the hard right’s resident contrarian - Voices

Thursday 28 September 2023 11:00 , Athena Stavrou

As controversy surrounding Laurence Fox and his “vile” GB News rant continues to unfold, Katie Rosseinsky asks, how did he get here?

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

Recap: What did Laurence Fox say?

Thursday 28 September 2023 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.”

Laurence Fox made sexist comments about Ava Evans as he appeared on a GB News show hosted by Dan Wootton (GB News)
Laurence Fox made sexist comments about Ava Evans as he appeared on a GB News show hosted by Dan Wootton (GB News)

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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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.”

Tory MP Caroline Nokes says GB News should be taken off air (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Archive)
Tory MP Caroline Nokes says GB News should be taken off air (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Archive)

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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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 says he will “rebuild” following GB News suspension (PA Archive)
Laurence Fox says he will “rebuild” following GB News suspension (PA Archive)

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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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'

Thursday 28 September 2023 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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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

Thursday 28 September 2023 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.

Technology secretary Michelle Donelan is among those calling for an Ofcom investigation (EPA)
Technology secretary Michelle Donelan is among those calling for an Ofcom investigation (EPA)