TV historian blasts Laurence Fox for 'baiting women for clicks'
TV historian Tessa Dunlop warns Laurence Fox on GB News of ‘baiting women for clicks’ in newly emerged clip
- Dr Dunlop blasted Fox when she appeared as a guest back in December 2022
Suspended GB News host Laurence Fox was previously blasted for ‘baiting women for clicks’ by a former guest on his show.
Fox was suspended on Wednesday after he was condemned for saying ‘Who would want to s**g that?’ in a sexist series of comments about a female political journalist.
The fallout led to GB News also suspending star presenter Dan Wootton, who was hosting the programme when the lewd remarks were made.
Now a newly emerged clip has revealed how controversial right-wing activist Fox was previously confronted by TV historian Doctor Tessa Dunlop on his show in December.
Sharing the clip on X, formerly Twitter, Dr Dunlop tells Fox: ‘Generally you like to poke with a stick. You go as far as you can, you push the right-wing envelope. You men have disproportionately large platforms. You get little me on, a doctor incidentally but nonetheless, just a little woman, and you bait us for clicks.’
TV historian Doctor Tessa Dunlop (pictured) previously warned Laurence Fox he ‘baiting women for clicks’
Dr Dunlop was appearing on Fox’s GB News show in December 2022 when she made the comments
A clip from the show has since re-emerged after Fox was suspended on Wednesday by GB News
Fox (right) spoke about Ava Evans during Dan Wootton (left) Tonight on Tuesday – with his lewd comments leading to him being suspended by GB News
In her post on social media, she added: ‘I warned Laurence Fox against ‘bear baiting’ women for clicks. (What was said yesterday went far further than that). Why are right wing men given disproportionate platforms from which to spew their filth?’
READ MORE: Journalist Ava Evans slams GB News for allowing suspended host Laurence Fox to make derogatory remarks about her on its channel as ‘it’s not acceptable for broadcasters to act like that’
She was discussing Jeremy Clarkson’s comments on Meghan Markle in his newspaper column at the time, in which the ex-Top Gear host wrote about dreaming of seeing the Duchess of Sussex being forced to ‘parade naked’ through a UK town.
On Wednesday, GB News suspended ex-Lewis star Fox following his comments about journalist Ava Evans, in a segment broadcast during Dan Wootton’s show on Tuesday.
The broadcaster apologised for Fox’s remarks about Ava Evans, a Left-leaning reporter for news website Joe, on Tuesday on an episode of 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 s**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?’
Ms Evans shared a clip of the comments on X, with the caption: ‘Laurence Fox just did a whole speech on GB News on why men apparently won’t s**g me?’
The clip has been viewed more than 28 million times already. In a follow-up tweet to her 100,000 followers, she added the footage made her feel ‘physically sick’.
Dr Dunlop lashed out on social media after Fox was suspended for making lewd comments about journalist Ava Evans
Ms Evans told Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show that she is ‘really hurt’ by Fox’s comments
It comes after she 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
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 yesterday, saying that he ‘stands by every word of what I said’ and he ‘wouldn’t want to s**g a hyper offended fourth wave feminist and not apologise’.
During Tuesday’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 s**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 s**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 debate 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.’
Dan Wootton was later suspended by GB News shortly after controversial actor Fox shared what appeared to be a private text exchange about the segment between himself and Wootton featuring laughing emojis.
Wootton had been condemned for appearing to laugh at Fox’s comments but later apologised for a ‘very unfortunate lapse in judgment on my part under the intense pressure of a bizarre exchange’.
After GB News suspended Fox at 10am on Wednesday, Fox then shared messages which he appeared to suggest were between himself and Wootton.
Posting the dialogue, Fox wrote above the conversation: ‘Honesty is the best policy.’ The apparent exchange began saying: ‘Making you giggle is my weekly joy.’ And then a response which said: ‘You can imagine them freaking out in the gallery!!!!!’
GB News then announced just before 4pm that Wootton had also been suspended.
A spokesman said: ‘GB News has suspended Dan Wootton following comments made on his programme by Laurence Fox last night. This follows our decision earlier today to formally suspend Mr Fox. We are conducting a full investigation.’
Last month the publishers of MailOnline said that they had paused Wootton’s freelance column for the website following historical allegations that he had used a pseudonym and offered money for sexual material to colleagues while working for another media group – claims he has strongly denied.
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