GB News has received more than 9,000 Ofcom complaints after a guest's controversial comments about Pride during a live broadcast. The regulator confirmed 9,058 complaints were lodged following remarks made by Caroline Farrow on Alex Armstrong's programme on July 5, 2026.
Guest's Remarks Spark Outrage
During a debate about whether Pride events are suitable for children, Farrow said: "I think the problem that Pride has is [that it’s] not about gay rights. It has become about celebrating every single sexuality that isn’t heterosexuality. Including some very bizarre and unhealthy kinks and quirks, you know, like furries and bestiality, and even minor-attracted, they call themselves minor-attracted. You know, paedophiles." The comments came one day after 35,000 people celebrated London Pride.
An Ofcom spokesperson told The Express: "Complaints related to comments from contributor Caroline Farrow during a discussion about Pride."
Public and Political Backlash
Green Party leader Zack Polanski joined Drag Race UK star Bimini in calling for an investigation. Alongside clothing and record label He.She.They, they wrote an open letter to Ofcom, describing the comments as "dangerous". Their statement read: "How is it that GB News and others are allowed to say that pride is about celebrating minor attraction and bestiality when it’s not true. LGBTQIA+ people find these things just as abhorrent as anyone else does. Do your job and hold these channels to account. It’s so dangerous to allow lies like this to appear as fact when people don’t think critically."
GB News Response
GB News later issued a statement to PinkNews: "These comments were expressed within a live debate by a contributor. They were her own views, and do not reflect the views or editorial position of GB News. Anyone watching the debate would have noted the comments were robustly and repeatedly challenged by two other contributors. GB News takes its responsibilities as a regulated broadcaster seriously and complies with all of its obligations under the Ofcom Broadcasting Code."
Host Addresses Controversy
The following week, Armstrong addressed the backlash on his show. He said: "Comments made by guests last weekend conflated gay pride with the celebration of paedophilia. This is an age-old gay trope that’s been used over a number of years to demonise and slander gay people. And as I said to the guest during that segment, it is a statement I fundamentally reject and have not witnessed when attending Pride myself."
Armstrong, who is openly gay, added: "I will not be smeared by people and media who are politically motivated to try and cancel me for simply opposing their political ideology." He maintained his view that Pride is not suitable for children, citing adult content, alcohol, and political propaganda.
