Kate Garraway has faced criticism after defending Jonathan Ross, who issued a statement distancing himself from the scandals surrounding Russell Brand and David Walliams. During Thursday's episode of Good Morning Britain, the discussion turned to Ross after he addressed a crude joke he made about Walliams going home with 15-year-olds at the British Comedy Awards in 2004.
The joke appeared in an ITN documentary that alleged Walliams had abused his power and position for sexual purposes on a number of occasions, with teenagers as young as 15. Walliams denies all wrongdoing.
Ross's Statement and Garraway's Defence
Ross, a close friend of both Brand and Walliams, said he had been "genuinely unaware" of the allegations against both men. He said he did not write the joke himself, stating: "I recognise how deeply shocking it is to revisit footage of a joke delivered by me at the Comedy Awards in 2004, in which I make light of the notion of Walliams going home with a 15-year-old."
"This joke was submitted to me by the Comedy Awards scriptwriting team, and I believed that the punchline was a reference to the fact he had publicly dated younger women, exaggerated for comic effect," Ross added. "It is also a tasteless joke that I would not dream of making today about anyone, but that is beside the point. Had I had any reason to suspect that it might be referring to actual events, I would not only have refused to use it, but I would not have felt comfortable continuing a personal or professional relationship with him."
Garraway, who became friends with Ross during their time on Celebrity Traitors last year, said: "I think he has been rather brave about coming out and saying this." She added that she can "believe that he didn't know what was going on, specifically." Garraway also said she worked with Walliams on a TV show and had no idea about his alleged conduct.
Criticism from Baroness Hazarika and Viewers
Baroness Ayesha Hazarika MBE called it "nonsense" to suggest that people in Walliams' and Brand's professional and social circle may have been aware of their alleged behaviour. She cited an encounter on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year in 2007, which featured Lily Allen as the only female panellist.
"You've put the only attractive young lady near two of the best-known coxmen in the business," Ross told host Jimmy Carr at the time. He added: "I'm going to move over here. And then Lily might go home with her dress still on." Noel Fielding responded: "How dare you, we're not rapists."
Russell Brand, who was also on the show, commented: "What if, horror of horrors, he ain't even done a rape. You could ruin his career. Have you done a rape?"
Hitting back at Garraway, Baroness Hazarika said: "They were part of a culture where it was just hilarious to joke about doing something to a woman, a woman who's there with you. That is not ok." Viewers on social media also criticised Garraway, with one writing: "FFS, Kate Garraway defending Jonathan Ross and calling him 'brave'. Everyone remembers his role in #SachsGate." Another said: "Perhaps Kate Garraway should have stayed neutral regardless. These people." A third added: "@kategarraway sometimes it is better to not open your mouth and listen to those who have the knowledge or and lived experience."
