Media regulator Ofcom has concluded that an episode of Dan Wootton Tonight on GB News broke broadcasting rules, following comments made by Laurence Fox about political journalist Ava Evans. The remarks, which drew 8,867 complaints, were deemed sexist, misogynistic, and offensive.
During the live broadcast on 26 September, Fox asked what 'self-respecting man' would 'climb into bed' with Evans, with Wootton smiling and laughing. Ofcom stated the comments were a 'highly personal attack' and 'potentially highly offensive to viewers', adding that Wootton's reaction exacerbated the offence.
The regulator expressed 'significant concerns about GB News' editorial control of its live output' and has demanded detailed information about the channel's compliance practices. GB News suspended both Wootton and Fox, with Fox later sacked. Wootton also lost his column at MailOnline.
Evans welcomed the ruling, saying Ofcom recognised the remarks were sexist, but urged the regulator to impose 'meaningful sanctions' rather than just 'slap on the wrist'. She noted she had received threats online following the incident.
This is the second time Ofcom has required GB News to attend a meeting at its offices, following a previous breach in May 2023 over unopposed Covid-19 vaccine claims. Ofcom continues to investigate multiple other complaints against the channel.
