GB News has faced a total of 11,693 Ofcom complaints after a guest's comments about Pride events on Alex Armstrong’s programme on July 5. A further 1,160 complaints were reported this week, bringing the total to over 11,000.
Guest's remarks spark outrage
Guest Caroline Farrow questioned whether Pride events are suitable for children, just after London Pride saw 35,000 attendees. She 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.” She added: “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.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski called her words “dangerous” and “abhorrent” in an open letter. An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Complaints related to comments from contributor Caroline Farrow during a discussion about Pride. The total number of complaints to Ofcom about this is 11,693.”
Another GB News show also hit with complaints
Patrick Christys Tonight show on July 9, presented by Nana Akua, sparked 2,290 complaints over comments by Sharron Davies about LGBT+ issues in schools. An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Complaints related to comments by Sharron Davies about coverage of LGBT+ issues in schools. The total number of complaints to Ofcom about this is 2,290.”
GB News and presenter respond
GB News said in a statement: “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.”
Alex Armstrong addressed the backlash on his programme, saying Farrow’s statement is one he “fundamentally rejects”. 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.” He added that he is openly gay but rarely discusses it. He maintained: “I maintain that Pride is not suitable for children. It contains adult material and products, even on so-called family day. I have witnessed it myself. There’s a lot of alcohol, scantily dressed individuals, and political propaganda-all things I don’t believe are suitable for children.”
