GB News has been hit with 9,315 Ofcom complaints after a guest made offensive remarks about Pride on the programme Alex Armstrong Tonight. The comments, made by contributor Caroline Farrow during a live debate on July 5, sparked 9,058 complaints in a single week, bringing the total to 9,315, the watchdog confirmed.
Ofcom Confirms Complaints Over Farrow's Remarks
An Ofcom spokesperson told The Mirror: “Complaints related to comments from contributor Caroline Farrow during a discussion about Pride.” Farrow’s comments drew widespread outrage, leading to an apology from host Alex Armstrong and calls for an investigation from figures such as Drag Race UK star Bimini and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
Farrow had joined Liberal Democrat councillor Mathew Hulbert and Armstrong on the GB News programme to debate whether Pride events are suitable for children. She claimed that London for Pride, an LGBTQIA+ celebration held the day before, was a “very sexualised display” and 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.”
Farrow's Controversial Statements
She continued: “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 remark sparked immediate backlash, with Armstrong responding at the time: “I went to Pride last year and filmed it for GB News. Actually, I would say the overwhelming amount of people at Pride were there for good reasons. I don’t think it was full of paedophiles and everything, I’m sure there are nefarious people.”
GB News Responds to Backlash
GB News issued a statement to PinkNews, saying: “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.”
The following week, Armstrong addressed the backlash on his show, stating that he “fundamentally rejects” Farrow’s comments. 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's On-Air Apology and Defense
Armstrong continued: “The debate we were meant to be having was around whether or not Pride was suitable for children. Those comments by guests had no place in that discussion, and in my opinion, were lazy and offensive arguments that don’t reflect my views or the views of this channel, where many LGBT people also work.” He also doubled down on his stance that Pride is not suitable for children, citing “adult material and products, even on so-called family day.”
Viewers expressed outrage on social media. One wrote on X: “Ironically she is the reason pride is still necessary.” Another called the comment “horrific,” while a third said: “Absolutely disgusting that they are allowed to get away with this.” The controversy has reignited debate about broadcast standards and the limits of free speech on television.
