Ofcom has launched an investigation into GB News following an episode of Dan Wootton Tonight which featured an interview with Laurence Fox.
7,300 complaints were issued to the broadcasting regulator about the episode which aired on Tuesday (September 26).
During the interview, Fox, 45, made “vile” and “misogynistic” remarks about female journalist Ava Evans after she made comments that appeared to make light of male suicide, which she later stated she regretted making.
READ MORE: Dan Wootton’s GB News replacement confirmed as host suspended after Laurence Fox rant
Ofcom are specifically investigating under Rule 2.3 which states “that in applying generally accepted standards broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context.”
(Image: GB NEWS/UNPIXS)
The chief Executive of Ofcom, Dame Melanie Dawes, released a statement which 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.
(Image: GB NEWS/UNPIXS)
“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.”
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Evans stated that she felt “physically sick” about the rant made by Fox as she shared the clip on her X profile and later spoke out on Jeremy Vine. Both Fox and Wootton, 40, have since been suspended from GB News, with the channel announcing an investigation is being conducted into both.
Despite appearing to laugh during the segment, the New Zealand native released a statement on social media and shared his “regret” over the interview. While Fox, who is the leader of the Reclaim Party, declared he stands by “every word” that he said during the programme.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
