-
-
-
Loading
Loading
GB News has taken the decision to suspend host Laurence Fox after he made derogatory comments about a journalist and questioned why any "self-respecting man" would want to be intimate with her. During a live discussion on the channel, Fox made these remarks following an earlier statement from PoliticsJOE reporter Ava Evans, who suggested that calls for a minister for men fueled the cultural divide. Evans expressed feeling physically ill due to Fox's comments. GB News issued an immediate statement distancing itself from Fox's remarks and describing them as completely unacceptable. In a subsequent statement the following morning, the network announced Fox's formal suspension while it conducts an investigation into his comments, and it pledged to offer a formal apology to Evans. Fox, who was an unsuccessful candidate for London mayor, has affirmed his stance and stands by his comments. The controversial discussion took place on the BBC's Politics Live and featured Evans alongside comedian and commentator Geoff Norcott. They were discussing men's mental health and the fact that suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50. When the host mentioned a call for a dedicated minister to address these issues, Evans questioned whether this would only escalate the culture war, suggesting it is more effective to tackle mental health as a whole rather than focusing solely on men. She later clarified her initial criticism and expressed interest in a minister dedicated to young men's mental health. Fox commented on the exchange as a guest on another GB News program, Dan Wootton Tonight, stating that he cannot imagine any self-respecting man being interested in Evans. His remarks received widespread condemnation, with Labour MP Emily Thornberry calling for media regulator Ofcom to address the issue. Ofcom confirmed that it has received complaints and is currently investigating the matter in relation to its broadcast standards.