GB News: Ofcom Rules Laurence Fox’s Remarks On Dan Wootton Tonight ‘Clearly Misogynistic’
Ofcom criticised host Dan Wootton’s reaction to the remarks, saying they exacerbated the situation. (Screengrab GB News/YouTube)
Media watchdog Ofcom found a September edition of Dan Wootton Tonight on GB News in breach of broadcasting rules, after guest Laurence Fox made an “unambiguously misogynistic” attack on political journalist Ava Evans.
The investigation stemmed from comments made by Fox about Evans, sparking a barrage of 8,867 complaints to the regulatory body. Viewers accused Fox’s remarks of being sexist and misogynistic. The show topped Ofcom’s most complained-about show of 2023.
At the time, the fallout resulted in Fox being axed from GB News and host Dan Wootton’s immediate suspension.
In its investigation, Ofcom looked at the episode aired on September 26, 2023, assessing compliance with Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code. Their findings were damning and found Fox’s comments as a “highly personal attack” on Evans, reducing her professional contribution to a judgement on her desirability to men. The regulator labelled Fox’s remarks as “clearly and unambiguously misogynistic.”
In a statement issued Monday, the regulator said: “We considered that Mr Fox’s comments were degrading and demeaning both to Ms Evans and women generally and were clearly and unambiguously misogynistic.”
The investigation also criticised Wootton specifically for his handling of the situation: “In our view, Mr Wootton’s reaction and limited challenge in response did not mitigate the potential for offence. Rather, they exacerbated it by contributing to the narrative in which a woman’s value was judged by her physical appearance.”
Of particular concern was the absence of an apology or any editorial techniques to address the issue during the two-hour program.
In response to these findings, Ofcom expressed significant concerns about GB News’ editorial control over its live output. They have demanded further information on compliance practices and requested a meeting with GB News representatives to discuss the matter.
