GB News suspends Dan Wootton after Laurence Fox comments

Stay informed with the latest updates from GB News without spending a penny. Get your hands on free updates and keep yourself updated on the goings-on at GB News. Keep up-to-date without putting a strain on the wallet.

Every morning, we will forward to you an email called myFT Daily Digest containing the latest updates about GB News.

The media outlet supported by Paul Marshall's hedge fund, GB News, has put a stop on Dan Wootton, who is one of their hosts loved by many, for broadcasting Laurence Fox's derogatory words about a female journalist in politics.

Senior Members of Parliament have expressed sharp criticism of GB News and the UK media regulator is currently investigating the program that aired on Tuesday evening.

Ofcom reported that they have received various grievances regarding the statements made by Laurence Fox on a channel that has a political inclination towards the right. The said channel pays the likes of Lee Anderson, who serves as the Conservative party deputy chair, and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, who was the former business secretary, to host its programs.

The statement said: "We are currently evaluating these grievances according to our broadcasting regulations and will disclose the results in a timely manner."

GB News has taken the decision to temporarily prevent Fox from making any appearances on the channel. The station have initiated their own probe and expressed regret for the statements made during the Tuesday evening interview, which were deemed to be completely unacceptable.

Fox, who is both an actor and the head of the Reclaim Party, spoke out concerning Ava Evans, a political journalist for the online platform Joe.

In addition to other remarks, he characterized her as a "small lady" and claimed that "there isn't a solitary gentleman with self-esteem who would desire to sleep with her."

The broadcaster, GB News, issued a statement on Wednesday announcing the suspension of Wootton from his programme due to some comments he made during the broadcast.

In a written statement, Wootton acknowledged that his response to the unacceptable comments made by the other person was inappropriate. He expressed that he completely understands how his behavior may appear wrong and he wants to clarify that he did not find the person's comments amusing in any way.

When contacted for a response, Fox revealed on his social media account that GB News was already aware of his intended words. He made it clear in a post that people shouldn't expect any form of remorse from him, stating that he'll never say sorry to the group. If you're hoping for an apology, don't hold your breath.

He also utilized social networks to share conversations that seemingly happened with Wootton following the interview.

Marshall is currently preparing an offer to acquire the Telegraph Media group, which has been put up for sale as a result of Lloyds taking over from the Barclay family earlier this year. Marshall owns nearly half of the channel.

In confidential chats on Labour WhatsApp groups, a Member of Parliament suggested that the frontbench should avoid interacting with GB News following the issue. Meanwhile, several MPs shared that they already avoid any association with the broadcaster due to its controversial nature.

Lucy Frazer, who is in charge of culture, expressed disapproval of the statements made by Fox, after initially choosing not to criticize his words.

Philip Davies is a member of the Conservative Party and he also presents a show on the same channel as his wife, Esther McVey, who is also a Conservative politician. Davies spoke out against Fox's remarks, stating that they were completely wrong and could not be justified. He reiterated that there was no defense for what was said.

The conservative representatives validated their intention to keep nominating their members for the station; notwithstanding, they explained that they were already choosy about the programs they interacted with, and Wootton's display was not one of them.

Wootton is being accused of engaging in unacceptable conduct which has prompted a distinct examination by the publisher of The Sun, News UK. Despite the accusations, Wootton has refuted any claims of misbehavior.

One member of the Conservative party said they are not planning to alter their strategy. In explaining their stance, they used an example of when the BBC faced controversy and consequences for airing inappropriate material by Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross back in 2008, stating that it would be similar to attempting to review whether to have people appear on the network again.

Members of the Labour frontbench expressed their opinions as well. Thangam Debbonaire, who serves as the Shadow Culture Secretary, made a comment on the social media platform X, which used to be called Twitter. She questioned: "Is it necessary for us, as women, to inform broadcasters that misogyny displayed on air is not acceptable?"

The shadow attorney-general, Emily Thornberry, spoke out about the instance of misogyny where individuals were seen "smirking" and "sniggering". She emphasized the importance of addressing such behavior and also emphasized that women should never be subjected to abuse of this nature on British television.

Since its launch in June 2021, GB News has violated broadcast guidelines three times. Its latest offense pertains to the UK's standards for unbiased reporting, as the channel aired an interview featuring the British Chancellor conducted by two fellow Conservative MPs, Davies and McVey.

GB News is currently being scrutinized for six additional possible violations of impartiality, which involve two segments that were hosted by Rees-Mogg.

The regulatory body Ofcom made a move against GB News in the month of May following claims made by Naomi Wolf that the Covid-19 vaccine was a deliberate act of wrongdoing - an act of "mass murder" - with similarities to the actions of doctors in Germany before the Nazi period. These claims were aired without any opposition or explanation by GB News.