Ashley Cain has responded after the BBC axed him over 'unacceptable' sexist and misogynistic tweets, saying he takes full accountability for his past words. The 35-year-old former Ex on the Beach star faced backlash after historic tweets were uncovered by The Guardian, in which he reportedly used offensive language about women, including 'jokes' about hitting and slapping women and blurring the lines of consent. The BBC subsequently announced it has 'no plans' to broadcast the second series of Into the Danger Zone and no future projects with Cain.
Cain's Instagram Statement
In a lengthy Instagram post addressed to his 'community', Cain wrote: 'I don't deny it. I don't excuse it. and I certainly don't condone it.' He acknowledged the comments were made over a decade ago by a younger version of himself who still had 'a lot of growing up to do'. He stressed that accountability matters and that he believes in growth and learning from mistakes.
Cain explained that at the time, he felt 'lost, frustrated and unsure of where my life was heading' after his football career ended due to an injury. Reality TV gave him a 'second chance' but left him navigating fame he 'didn't know', where he was 'rewarded for developing a provocative personality'. He added: 'None of that excuses the things I said, but it is part of the truth of where I was and who I was becoming.'
Reflection and Growth
Cain reflected on the 'incredible women' in his life – his mum, nan, auntie, and sister – who taught him 'compassion, resilience, and respect'. He admitted that in his younger years he lacked 'maturity, perspective and understanding'. He also discussed how the death of his daughter, Azaylia, changed him 'forever'. Azaylia was just eight months old when she died in 2021 from a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia, despite a fundraising campaign that raised £1 million for treatment in Singapore.
Cain said the family experienced 'mocking' and death threats from strangers during that time, which felt 'unbearable'. He reiterated that he had grown 'not because he is special' but because he 'chose better' and let go of anger. He concluded: 'I cannot change the past. None of us can. But every day I wake up, I can choose the man I want to be, and I can choose the impact I want to have on those around me.'
Support and Aftermath
The post was flooded with support, including from his ex-partner Safiyya. Cain's X account, from which the sexist comments originated, now appears deactivated. The BBC previously described the comments as 'unacceptable' and removed him from presenting duties.
