© Hat Trick Productions It's OK for Have I Got News For You to mock Laurence Fox
BBC watchdogs reject complaint
The BBC has rejected complaints that Have I Got News For You was ‘inappropriate’ for the way in mocked Laurence Fox.
On the episode that aired on October 6, presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell made reference to how the actor-turned-activist had been fired by GB News for his sexist rant against political journalist Ava Evans.
Calling her a ‘little woman’ he asked ‘Who would want to shag her?’ and said ‘Show me a single, self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman… ever… ever.’
After discussing the story on Have I Got New For You, Coren Mitchell turned to panelist Carol Vorderman and asked: ‘More importantly, Carol, would you shag him?’
She pulled an appalled face and groaned in disgust at the concept, with Coren Mitchell adding: ‘I think I probably would. Call me Gen X but a difference of opinion is no bar.’
At the time Fox complained about the segment on social media, tweeting: ‘One rule for them. One rule for us. And our "side" keep surrendering.’
One rule for them. One rule for us.
— Laurence Fox (@LozzaFox) October 8, 2023
And our "side" keep surrendering.pic.twitter.com/7X6jnuelVf
While some of his followers agreed that the broadcaster was being hypocritical, others on Twitter disagrees, such as Simon Gosden who tweeted: ‘Lozza has the intellectual capacity of a sea slug if he can’t understand the difference between a satirical comedy programme and an ‘alleged’ news programme. Whining little sh*t.’
In its fortnightly report, the BBC’s editorial complaints unit revealed that it received complains about two ‘inappropriate Laurence Fox references’ on the programme.
No further details were given, other than the fact the complaints were not upheld.
Published: 8 Dec 2023
