Journalist Ava Evans is 'shocked' and 'really hurt' by Laurence Fox

Journalist Ava Evans says she is ‘shocked’ and ‘really hurt’ that Laurence Fox made comments about her ‘body rather than her work’ as he is suspended by GB News for saying on-air ‘who would want to sh*g that?’

• GB News apologises for Laurence Fox’s remarks about Joe reporter Ava Evans 
• Fox also called the journalist a ‘little woman’ but has refused to apologise today

Political journalist Ava Evans today said she is ‘shocked’ and ‘really hurt’ by Laurence Fox saying ‘Who would want to sh*g that?’ while criticising her on GB News.

The channel has suspended Fox and apologised for his remarks about Ms Evans, a Left-leaning reporter for news website Joe, on yesterday’s Dan Wootton Tonight.

Political activist Fox told the show: ‘We don’t need these sort of feminist 4.0’ who, he said, are ‘pathetic and embarrassing’, adding: ‘Who would want to sh*g that?’

He also called her a ‘little woman’ and asked: ‘Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman, ever, ever, who wasn’t an Incel?’

Responding today, Ms Evans told Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show: ‘I’m really hurt by it… I’m shocked about by it, I’m shocked that it went out. Do you know this is the sort of talk that you worry that men have about you when you’re not in the room.

‘There is always sort of a worry in the back of your mind which is: ‘Are people actually interested in what I’m saying or what I’m doing?’ Or are they just looking at me… physically and I think that that clip proves that there are some men who are.’

She also said: ‘I’m actually a journalist rather than a commentator and I’d much rather be judged or asked about my work… than have people talking about my body.’

Last night Ms Evans shared a clip of Fox’s comments on X, captioning it: ‘Laurence Fox just did a whole speech on GB News on why men apparently won’t sh*g me?’

The clip has been viewed more than ten million times already. In a follow-up tweet to her 100,000 followers, she added that the footage made her feel ‘physically sick’.

Media regulator Ofcom said it had received an unspecified number of complaints about the comments, which its team would now assess against its broadcast rules.

But Fox doubled down today, saying that he ‘stands by every word of what I said’ and he ‘wouldn’t want to sh*g a hyper offended fourth wave feminist and not apologise’.

Laurence Fox (right) spoke about Ava Evans during Dan Wootton (left) Tonight yesterday

Ava Evans told Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show today that she is ‘really hurt’ by Fox’s comments

It comes after Ava Evans made comments about men’s mental health and suicide on the BBC’s Politics Live on Monday, in which she dismissed calls for a dedicated minister on the issue

During last night’s discussion on GB News, the strapline on the screen read: ‘Smirking Face of Disdain’, with the text under it reading: ‘Hard-left commentator slammed for shrugging off male suicide crisis.’

What did Laurence Fox say on GB News?

Laurence Fox: ‘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 fed, spoon-fed oppression day after day after day… starting with the lie of the gender wage gap, and she’s sat there and I’m going, if I met you in a bar and that was like sentence three, chances of me just walking away are just huge.

‘We need powerful strong amazing women who make great points for themselves, we don’t need these sort of feminist 4.0… they’re pathetic and embarrassing. 

‘Who would want to sh*g that?’

It comes after Ms Evans made comments about men’s mental health and suicide on the BBC’s Politics Live on Monday, in which she dismissed calls for a dedicated minister on the issue.

Fox told Wootton: ‘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 fed, spoon-fed oppression day after day after day… starting with the lie of the gender wage gap, and she’s sat there and I’m going, if I met you in a bar and that was like sentence three, chances of me just walking away are just huge.

‘We need powerful, strong, amazing women who make great points for themselves, we don’t need these sort of feminist 4.0… they’re pathetic and embarrassing. Who would want to sh*g that?’

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.’

Wootton added: ‘And she’s a very beautiful woman, Laurence, very beautiful woman.’

The discussion came after Ms Evans, a former producer at LBC, appeared on BBC’s Politics Live on Monday and made comments about men’s mental health. 

That BBC discussion featured Evans alongside comedian Geoff Norcott, who spoke about how suicide remains the biggest cause of death for men under 50.

During the discussion on GB News, the strapline on the screen read: ‘Smirking Face of Disdain’ 

Fox made the comments about Ava Evans (pictured), a correspondent for online news site Joe

Ms Evans shared a clip of the comments on X, which has been viewed ten million times

The discussion came after Ava Evans (pictured) appeared on BBC ‘s Politics Live on Monday

When the host mentioned a Conservative MP’s suggestion for a dedicated minister to look at these issues, Ms Evans said: ‘I think that it feeds into the culture war a little bit, this minister for men argument.

What has Laurence Fox said after the backlash?

Comments posted by Laurence Fox on social media platform X this morning: 

‘Morning, morning.

‘First of all, don’t take a pop at @danwootton for something I said. That’s not fair.

‘Secondly. I stand by every word of what I said. If a woman wants to go on television and belittle male suicide, she is totally within her rights to do so and not apologise, just as I am totally within my rights to say that I wouldn’t want to sh*g a hyper offended 4th wave feminist and not apologise, just as people are totally within their rights to be offended by my stating I would run a mile in the opposite direction from women like her, should our paths cross in a bar.

‘It’s called free speech.

‘I realise that the new woke world is low on laughter and high on offence, but it’s still worth trying to find the lighter moments in this joyless new cancel culture which has been created for us.

‘This lady has said on air that she wants men to be ‘frightened’ and ‘terrified.’ Tumbleweed from the media at her premeditation and malevolence. Because it’s not a man saying it. Which rather proves my point.

‘You are totally entitled to find my mockery of the insane hypocrisy in this world not to your taste, but that’s me, and I will continue to be me, as a wise man once said ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.’

‘So you keep trying to cancel away in your state of permanent offence, I’ve been cancelled already and may well be again, but I don’t care one bit, and I will keep defending my right to have an opinion on issues which concern me.

‘Without free speech and the presumption of innocence we are not free. We aren’t quite communist Eastern Europe yet. We may very close, but not quite there. It’s still worth fighting for.

‘So if you are expecting a grovelling apology, I suggest you don’t hold your breath. I won’t ever apologise to the mob.

‘Have a lovely day.

‘In this self censoring world, speak your mind.

‘Live strong and free.’

‘[Mental illness] is a crisis that’s endemic throughout the country, not specific to men. And I think a lot of ministers bandy this about to – I’m sorry – make an enemy out of women.’

Ms Evans later said on X: ‘I was a little rash on my anti-minister for men comments which I do regret and am actually very interested in a brief for a minister on young men’s mental health.’ 

This morning, Ms Evans was asked about Fox’s comments during an appearance on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show. She confirmed someone had sent the clip to her and she did not see it live.

Questioned over how she felt about what Fox said, Ms Evans told Vine: ‘I don’t… I think the clip speaks for itself. I don’t have anything to say about it at all.

‘I’m actually a journalist rather than a commentator and I’d much rather be judged or asked about my work than have people talking about my body. I don’t… sorry, I’m a bit speechless, I just don’t really know what to say.’

After fellow panellist Carole Malone asked if she was hurt by it, Ms Evans added: ‘I’m really hurt by it, I am. I’m shocked about by it actually, I’m shocked that it went out.

‘Actually do you know this is the sort of talk that you worry that men have about you when you’re not in the room. There is always sort of a worry in the back of your mind which is: ‘Are people actually interested in what I’m saying or what I’m doing?’

‘Or are they just looking at me… physically and I think that that clip proves that there are some men who are.’

Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf branded Reclaim Party leader Fox a ‘vile neanderthal’ over his comments.

Mr Yousaf said on X: ‘What a vile neanderthal @LozzaFox is, and an example of bystander behaviour enabling such misogyny from the presenter.

‘I’m so sorry @AvaSantina had to listen to this. It is why men have to step up and challenge misogynistic abuse wherever we see it. Pleased Ofcom investigating.’

Within ten minutes, Fox had responded, saying: ‘The feeling is entirely mutual, you vile Neanderthal.’ Fox’s post included a clip of Mr Yousaf speaking at Holyrood while justice secretary, pointing out that the majority of those in powerful positions in Scotland were white.

Last night’s comments by Fox drew a strong reaction on X, with broadcaster Carol Vorderman writing: ‘Please know that ALL decent people are on your side. We’re grateful for your voice. Do not let them bully you. I know only too well how difficult that can be. But we ARE winning. All of us together.’

And political commentator Usama Ijaz said: ‘I am glad that Ava is standing up to Fox and calling him out for his misogynistic behavior. It is important to hold people accountable for their actions, and Fox deserves to be called out for his misogyny. Love you, Ava. We will always support you.’

In a statement posted to X this morning, GB News said: ‘GB News has formally suspended Laurence Fox while we continue our investigation into comments he made on the channel last night.

Laurence Fox: From screen actor to founder of the Reclaim Party

Actor Laurence Fox rose to fame through various acting roles and is most well-known for portraying DS James Hathaway in the long-running TV series Lewis, which came to an end in 2015.

The actor, 45, has credits in films that include the 2001 production of Gosford Park, the 2007 TV movie A Room With A View and the recent 2022 film My Son Hunter, in which he plays the lead role of Hunter, the son of American president Joe Biden.

Born into an acting dynasty, Fox is related to a slew of famous thespians, including his cousin Freddie Fox, who starred in the 2011 film The Three Musketeers and Netflix series The Crown, playing former prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s son Mark.

Laurence Fox married fellow thespian Billie Piper in 2007 and the pair split in 2016

Sister to Freddie and cousin to Laurence is Emilia Fox, known for her role as Dr Nikki Alexander in BBC TV series Silent Witness.

The trio are grandchildren to actor and theatrical agent Robin Fox whose son James is father to Laurence and has starred in Downton Abbey, Sherlock Holmes, Midsomer Murders and New Tricks, among other TV series.

Fox married fellow thespian and Doctor Who star Billie Piper in 2007 and the pair split in 2016. They share two sons together, Winston and Eugene.

Fox has credits in films that include the 2007 TV movie A Room With A View

In 2020, Fox appeared on BBC Question Time and was involved in a debate over Meghan Markle, white male privilege and racism which led to the actor saying he would take a break from social media.

Following his appearance, the actor founded political party the Reclaim Party in October 2020, and the website says he did so after his appearance led to him being ‘cancelled’ from a 22-year-old acting career.

After he set up the Reclaim Party, Fox unsuccessfully stood for London mayor during the mayoral election of 2021.

Fox appeared on BBC Question Time in 2020 and was in a debate over Meghan Markle, white male privilege and racism

His manifesto included promises to deliver ‘free travel on the Tubes and buses for six months’ and ‘tough New York style community policing to target petty crime’.

According to the Reclaim Party website, the party exists ‘for patriotism and believes hard work should be rewarded.’

Reclaim is strongly associated with the ‘culture wars’ and Fox has previously expressed scepticism about the Covid vaccine and opposed lockdowns during the pandemic.

Fox has been a presenter on GB News and according to the broadcaster’s website he ‘tackles the issues of the day’ with a ‘unique and outgoing style’.

‘Mr Fox’s suspension is effective immediately and he has been taken off air. We will be apologising formally to Ms Evans today.’

This followed another statement last night, in which GB News said: ‘Comments made tonight on GB News by Laurence Fox were totally unacceptable.

‘What he said does not reflect our values and we apologise unreservedly for the comments and the offence they have caused. We have launched an investigation and will be apologising to the individual involved.’

But Fox refused to apologised and posted a lengthy statement on X this morning, saying: ‘First of all, don’t take a pop at Dan Wootton for something I said. That’s not fair.

‘Secondly. I stand by every word of what I said. If a woman wants to go on television and belittle male suicide, she is totally within her rights to do so and not apologise, just as I am totally within my rights to say that I wouldn’t want to sh*g a hyper offended fourth wave feminist and not apologise, just as people are totally within their rights to be offended by my stating I would run a mile in the opposite direction from women like her, should our paths cross in a bar. It’s called free speech.’

He added that the ‘new woke world is low on laughter and high on offence, but it’s still worth trying to find the lighter moments in this joyless new cancel culture which has been created for us’.

In the post, Fox included a clip of Ms Evans saying on Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV that ‘men should be frightened to touch women in a way they’re not comfortable with’.

Fox added in his statement: ‘You are totally entitled to find my mockery of the insane hypocrisy in this world not to your taste, but that’s me, and I will continue to be me, as a wise man once said ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.’

‘So you keep trying to cancel away in your state of permanent offence, I’ve been cancelled already and may well be again, but I don’t care one bit, and I will keep defending my right to have an opinion on issues which concern me.

‘Without free speech and the presumption of innocence we are not free. We aren’t quite communist Eastern Europe yet. We may very close, but not quite there. It’s still worth fighting for.

‘So if you are expecting a grovelling apology, I suggest you don’t hold your breath. I won’t ever apologise to the mob. Have a lovely day.’

Signing off the message he said: ‘In this self censoring world, speak your mind. Live strong and free.’

Following his suspension, Fox followed this post up with a claim that he had done a ‘pre interview’ with the channel ‘so they knew exactly what I intended to say’.

While sharing a screenshot which appeared to look like an exchange about news stories he was being asked to comment on, Fox wrote: ‘A phone call might have been polite.’

But Wootton apologised this morning for a ‘very unfortunate lapse in judgment’, in a follow-up post to an earlier apology.

He wrote on X: ‘I want to reiterate my regret over last night’s exchange with Laurence on GB News. Having looked at the footage, I can see how inappropriate my reaction to his totally unacceptable remarks appears to be and want to be clear that I was in no way amused by the comments.

‘I reacted as I did out of shock and surprise in an off-guard moment while working out how to respond as he continued to speak by searching for tweets @AvaSantina had sent earlier in the day while having them read out in my ear at the same time. However, I should have intervened immediately to challenge offensive and misogynistic remarks.

‘I apologise unreservedly for what was a very unfortunate lapse in judgment on my part under the intense pressure of a bizarre exchange. I know I should have done better. I’m devastated that I let down the team and our supportive GBN family.

‘We seek to tackle the issue and not the person, which I intend to stress again on air tonight.’

In an earlier message last night to Ms Evans, he had said: ‘I think you’re brilliant. Earlier tonight I was attempting to find your tweets to read back from my iPad and couldn’t locate them.

‘I apologise for what was said during the course of my show and should have done this immediately on air. This is not what our channel is about.’

Cabinet minister Lucy Frazer was asked about Fox’s comments today during an interview on Times Radio, and said it was a matter for the communications regulator.

Asked whether it was unacceptable behaviour, she said: ‘Well as Culture Secretary, you will know that I’m generally in favour of the free press.

‘And (in) recent days we’ve seen the power of investigative journalism.

‘You know, issues like the one you raise are matters for Ofcom and that particular broadcaster, like many others, is regulated by Ofcom.’

Ms Frazer also defended Tory MPs who host shows on GB News.

Asked whether serving parliamentarians should have programmes on the broadcaster, she told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘Well, yes, because there is a broadcasting code which identifies the rules of broadcasting and that does allow presenters who are MPs to take part in current affairs programmes.

‘There are specific issues that have been taken to Ofcom in relation to particular programmes and I know that Ofcom is coming to conclusions on those particular issues.’

 She dodged a question on whether Conservative Party deputy chairman Mr Anderson should consider axing his show on the channel, saying: ‘I think I’ve made my position clear that those comments were inappropriate and unacceptable.

‘And I’m pleased that the channel has apologised and I know that Ofcom will be looking into this.’

Pressed on whether GB News should be shut down if it continues to break the code, the Cabinet minister said: ‘I know that there are a number of issues in a range of broadcasters at the moment and I don’t think all those broadcasters should be shut down because there are issues.’

Conservative MP Philip Davies, who hosts a show on GB News, condemned the comments made by Fox.

In a statement, he said: ‘Laurence Fox’s disgraceful remarks were completely unacceptable, unjustifiable and indefensible.’

GB News presenter Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said he had not seen the comments made on air by Fox. Speaking to the PA news agency at Windsor Castle after receiving his knighthood he said: ‘No I haven’t seen his comments last night.

‘I understand he has been suspended from GB News and we can see the outcome of that, but no I don’t know the details.’

Home Secretary Suella Braverman was asked about the row over comments made by Fox but said: ‘I am not aware of this matter you are describing.

‘We all need to maintain civility and respect in public and political discourse,’ she added. ‘Feelings might be strong, but at all times, even if we disagree strongly, we need to maintain respect for each other.’

GB News royal correspondent Cameron Walker said on X: ‘What was said last night clearly crossed the line. I am glad GBN is taking this seriously.

‘A vast majority of my colleagues, many in their first media jobs, work hard to deliver content giving voice to communities across the UK. Please don’t chastise them for others’ actions.’

In a statement to MailOnline, an Ofcom spokesman said: ‘We can confirm we’ve received a number of complaints about comments made by Laurence Fox on GB News last night. We are assessing these complaints against our broadcast rules and will publish the outcome as quickly as possible.’

GB News has been found to have breached Ofcom rules three times since it launched in 2021. The watchdog has several further investigations open into GB News’s compliance with due impartiality rules.

Ofcom rules bar serving politicians from acting as newsreaders, interviewers or reporters unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified. They are allowed to host discussions about current affairs. 

Fox, who was previously married to actress Billie Piper, founded the Reclaim Party in October 2020 after an appearance on the BBC’s Question Time earlier that year, which the actor said resulted in him being ‘cancelled from a 21-year acting career’.

According to its website, the party exists to challenge ‘woke orthodoxy’ and promote ‘freedom of speech’, which it views as being ‘under grave peril’.

Fox has been approached for comment by MailOnline.

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