The head of GB News, Angelos Frangopoulos, has expressed his shock at Laurence Fox’s comments about a female journalist and emphasized that they were “completely unacceptable” and should have been challenged by the host, Dan Wootton. Both Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton have been suspended, and Ofcom is currently investigating the channel after receiving 7,300 complaints.
Fox’s remarks, in which he questioned what a “self-respecting man” would do with Ava Evans, have been widely criticized. Frangopoulos stated that these comments do not align with the company’s values and emphasized that action was taken promptly.
In a radio interview, Frangopoulos explained that GB News is conducting its own investigation into the incident, focusing on the production process and how the interview was handled. He issued a personal apology to Ava Evans and acknowledged that the comments should not have been broadcast without proper challenge.
Frangopoulos rejected the notion that GB News encourages controversial or provocative statements, stating that they value free speech but expect it to be conducted respectfully.
The controversy surrounding Fox comes at a time when GB News is already facing scrutiny from Ofcom, with 12 ongoing investigations into the channel’s broadcasts. Despite the regulatory challenges, Frangopoulos defended GB News’ approach, emphasizing its disruptive nature and the difference in approach to traditional news programs.
GB News, launched in June 2021, aims to provide a unique perspective on news and debate in the UK. Its editorial charter values freedom of expression but not at the expense of causing unjustifiable offense or harm to the audience.
Additionally, Frangopoulos addressed the decision to have Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson host the Home Secretary Suella Braverman on the channel, explaining that GB News is designed to be journalism for the people, focusing on conversations rather than traditional interviews.
Finally, it was noted that Dan Wootton, who also faced suspension from GB News, has had his freelance column with MailOnline terminated by the publisher DMG Media. This decision followed allegations that Wootton had used a fake online identity to solicit explicit images, which he acknowledged as errors of judgment but denied any criminality.
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