The BBC has stated it is taking accusations that presenter Ashley Cain used explicit sexual and misogynistic language to describe women in historical social media posts “very seriously.” The broadcaster was reportedly unaware of the remarks prior to an investigation by The Guardian, which claimed the TV personality frequently referred to women on X, formerly Twitter, using abusive terms including “sl*gs,” “sl*ts,” and “psychos.”
BBC Statement
A BBC spokesperson said: “We are very clear we expect the highest standards of behaviour from everyone who works with or for the BBC. When allegations are brought to our attention we take them seriously. We will consider this information carefully and do not intend to comment further at this stage.”
Allegations Details
Former footballer Ashley Cain, 35, fronts the BBC Three documentary series Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone, which explores issues affecting young men born into criminality. The Guardian reported on Wednesday that before working for the BBC, Cain was a prolific social media user. In 2014, responding to a since-deleted tweet he perceived as homophobic, Cain allegedly told a woman online to “go and choke on a c*** you sl**.”
Cain’s X account appears to have been removed. The BBC is understood to have asked the independent production companies that hired Cain to review the social media checks conducted at the time.
Career and Public Image
Cain appeared last year on the BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef. Transmission details for series two of Into The Danger Zone are yet to be announced. He gained public respect following the tragic death of his daughter Azaylia in 2021. He and his former partner Safiyya Vorajee raised £1.5 million for her treatment and later formed The Azaylia Foundation, supporting families dealing with childhood cancer.
Five years after Azaylia’s funeral, Cain shared an emotional Instagram post, writing: “Today I cried for the first time in a long time… I cannot believe it has been 5 years since we laid her to rest.” The Mirror has contacted Ashley’s representatives for comment.
