Ofcom has begun the procedure to issue Gb News with a sanction following a “serious and repeated” breach of its code over a People’s Forum show in which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took questions from a live audience.
Ofcom has today said Gb News once again failed to “preserve due impartiality,” a section of the regulator’s code that the right-leaning news network has repeatedly fallen foul of, with Sunak given a “mostly uncontested platform to promote the policies and performance of his government” in this instance.
In The People’s Forum, Sunak was questioned by a live audience about the government’s policies and performance, in the context of the forthcoming UK general election.
The show almost immediately drew criticism for being one-sided and attracted more than 500 complaints to Ofcom.
“While some of the audience’s questions provided some challenge to, and criticism of, the government’s policies and performance,...
Ofcom has today said Gb News once again failed to “preserve due impartiality,” a section of the regulator’s code that the right-leaning news network has repeatedly fallen foul of, with Sunak given a “mostly uncontested platform to promote the policies and performance of his government” in this instance.
In The People’s Forum, Sunak was questioned by a live audience about the government’s policies and performance, in the context of the forthcoming UK general election.
The show almost immediately drew criticism for being one-sided and attracted more than 500 complaints to Ofcom.
“While some of the audience’s questions provided some challenge to, and criticism of, the government’s policies and performance,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: In his first mainstream television interview in years (excerpted by THR), Kevin Spacey sat down with Chris Cuomo on NewsNation to address what’s being seen as resistance (by some) to his return to acting. While he acknowledges those who have supported him, such as Neeson and Stone, he blames fear for the fact that many have only reached out to him privately rather than publically. “But there are also people that I’ve spoken to who, they love me, they believe in me. They’ve stood with me in private… but they’re afraid to stand up. And I’ve been very fortunate that people have been honest with me about that. And I think that’s a shame, that we’ve come to a place as a society where people are afraid to say what they believe and what they feel because they’re afraid they’re going to get canceled too.
- 5/17/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Kevin Spacey is facing another sexual assault trial in the UK next year, but today the two-time Oscar winner saw some major star power in his corner.
Liam Neeson, Sharon Stone and Stephen Fry have come forward with unequivocal support for Spacey as the much-accused actor has been back in the spotlight via new Channel 4 docuseries with even more allegations of severe misconduct.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of these accusations against him,” Taken franchise star Neesom told the Telegraph today. “Kevin is a good man and a man of character. He’s sensitive, articulate and non-judgmental, with a terrific sense of humour. He is also one of our finest artists in the theatre and on camera.
“Personally speaking, our industry needs him and misses him greatly,” Neeson, no total stranger to controversy himself, concluded.
Basic Instinct star Stone told the UK broadsheet: “I can’t wait to see Kevin back at work.
Liam Neeson, Sharon Stone and Stephen Fry have come forward with unequivocal support for Spacey as the much-accused actor has been back in the spotlight via new Channel 4 docuseries with even more allegations of severe misconduct.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of these accusations against him,” Taken franchise star Neesom told the Telegraph today. “Kevin is a good man and a man of character. He’s sensitive, articulate and non-judgmental, with a terrific sense of humour. He is also one of our finest artists in the theatre and on camera.
“Personally speaking, our industry needs him and misses him greatly,” Neeson, no total stranger to controversy himself, concluded.
Basic Instinct star Stone told the UK broadsheet: “I can’t wait to see Kevin back at work.
- 5/16/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Sharon Stone, Liam Neeson and more actors are coming to the defense of Kevin Spacey and calling for his return to the industry at large. Spacey has not worked in Hollywood since being accused by several men of sexual misconduct starting in 2017. The two-part documentary “Spacey Unmasked” recently aired in the U.K. and is now streaming on Max and features previously unheard of testimonies about Spacey’s alleged sexual misconduct, including a claim that he allegedly groped another “House of Cards” actor on set.
In statements given to The Telegraph, Stone and Neeson were joined by the likes of Stephen Fry and F. Murray Abraham in their calls for Spacey’s return. Abraham himself was accused of sexual misconduct during the production of the Apple TV+ series “Mythic Quest,” which reportedly led to his firing.
“I can’t wait to see Kevin back at work. He is a genius.
In statements given to The Telegraph, Stone and Neeson were joined by the likes of Stephen Fry and F. Murray Abraham in their calls for Spacey’s return. Abraham himself was accused of sexual misconduct during the production of the Apple TV+ series “Mythic Quest,” which reportedly led to his firing.
“I can’t wait to see Kevin back at work. He is a genius.
- 5/16/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
In May 2022, when Katherine Haywood began making calls for a Channel 4 documentary she’d been brought on to direct and produce, it wasn’t long before she was “hearing stories of inappropriate behavior.”
Production on the “forensic” documentary Spacey Unmasked, diving into the allegations of sexual misconduct that have toppled Kevin Spacey’s career, started before his U.K. trial had been announced that same May — it even put a “brake” on things, Haywood reveals, as Channel 4 had to wait until after a verdict was reached. He was later acquitted of nine charges brought against him in London in July 2023, but Haywood and her team had found others, uninvolved in the trial, who wanted to tell their stories, too.
“I set out to talk to as many people as I could and understand what the story is,” Haywood tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I tried to contact men and women,...
Production on the “forensic” documentary Spacey Unmasked, diving into the allegations of sexual misconduct that have toppled Kevin Spacey’s career, started before his U.K. trial had been announced that same May — it even put a “brake” on things, Haywood reveals, as Channel 4 had to wait until after a verdict was reached. He was later acquitted of nine charges brought against him in London in July 2023, but Haywood and her team had found others, uninvolved in the trial, who wanted to tell their stories, too.
“I set out to talk to as many people as I could and understand what the story is,” Haywood tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I tried to contact men and women,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Schrader has spoken with Kevin Spacey about the actor starring in a Frank Sinatra biopic, despite multiple allegations still flanking the actor. Spacey is facing a civil trial in the U.K. in 2025 over allegations for which he was acquitted there in a criminal court last year. A new U.K. docuseries airing on Channel 4 also features claims of sexual offenses by the actor from 10 men.
Writer/director Schrader told Variety that he has been in contact with Spacey about him portraying an elderly Sinatra for a film.
“Cancel culture won’t let him go,” Schrader said of Spacey, citing that the actor was acquitted of sexually assaulting four men in 2023. “He’s reading a book on how Charlie Chaplin was canceled.”
Schrader added of the potential biopic, “I would not use Kevin if he had been convicted. But he was not convicted.”
Schrader’s latest film “Oh, Canada...
Writer/director Schrader told Variety that he has been in contact with Spacey about him portraying an elderly Sinatra for a film.
“Cancel culture won’t let him go,” Schrader said of Spacey, citing that the actor was acquitted of sexually assaulting four men in 2023. “He’s reading a book on how Charlie Chaplin was canceled.”
Schrader added of the potential biopic, “I would not use Kevin if he had been convicted. But he was not convicted.”
Schrader’s latest film “Oh, Canada...
- 5/9/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
A Channel 4 documentary unveiling the testimonies of 10 men who allege they were sexually assaulted by Kevin Spacey will air in the U.S. on Monday, May 13.
Spacey Unmasked, featuring a group of men detailing their first-hand accounts of alleged abuse at the hands of Spacey over the course of five decades, will premiere on Investigation Discovery and also be available to stream on Max.
The documentary aired in the U.K. on May 6 and 7, promising a “forensic look” at Spacey’s rise to fame and the allegations that have dethroned him.
None of the men in the program were involved in the London trial that saw the actor acquitted of nine charges in July 2023, and all but one have never spoken out before. The charges stemmed from alleged acts that occurred from 2001 to 2013; Spacey was artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre from 2004 until 2015.
On Tuesday, it was...
Spacey Unmasked, featuring a group of men detailing their first-hand accounts of alleged abuse at the hands of Spacey over the course of five decades, will premiere on Investigation Discovery and also be available to stream on Max.
The documentary aired in the U.K. on May 6 and 7, promising a “forensic look” at Spacey’s rise to fame and the allegations that have dethroned him.
None of the men in the program were involved in the London trial that saw the actor acquitted of nine charges in July 2023, and all but one have never spoken out before. The charges stemmed from alleged acts that occurred from 2001 to 2013; Spacey was artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre from 2004 until 2015.
On Tuesday, it was...
- 5/8/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kevin Spacey is due to stand trial in the U.K. again, likely in 2025, over a lawsuit by a man, who alleges that the actor sexually assaulted him, Reuters reported.
The alleged sexual assault took place in August 2008, with the trial on Tuesday expected to start in early 2025, Reuters reported. The actor has denied the allegations.
The claimant has been granted anonymity by the court, but Reuters said he is one of four complainants who separately sued Spacey in criminal cases, the trial of which ended with the actor’s acquittal last summer.
Earlier this year, a judge granted the unnamed claimant in the civil case “judgment in default,” meaning a ruling in his favor without a trial, after Spacey’s legal team missed a deadline to formally submit a defense. A judge on Tuesday overturned that decision; Spacey didn’t attend the court date. “The defendant’s solicitors have made an error,...
The alleged sexual assault took place in August 2008, with the trial on Tuesday expected to start in early 2025, Reuters reported. The actor has denied the allegations.
The claimant has been granted anonymity by the court, but Reuters said he is one of four complainants who separately sued Spacey in criminal cases, the trial of which ended with the actor’s acquittal last summer.
Earlier this year, a judge granted the unnamed claimant in the civil case “judgment in default,” meaning a ruling in his favor without a trial, after Spacey’s legal team missed a deadline to formally submit a defense. A judge on Tuesday overturned that decision; Spacey didn’t attend the court date. “The defendant’s solicitors have made an error,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kevin Spacey will be returning to a UK court early next year to stand trial, with the news coming a day after a Channel 4-Max documentary aired new allegations about the two-time Oscar winner.
Spacey will face a civil trial in the UK after being sued by a man who alleges he sexually assaulted him, according to Variety.
The trial will take place early next year. The man, who has been granted anonymity by the court, claims he “suffered psychiatric damage and other financial loss” as a result of the alleged sexual assault.
Spacey’s legal team was in court today responding to a judgement in favor of Spacey’s accuser after it failed to file his defense in time. Spacey was not present. According to Reuters, Adam Speker, a lawyer representing Spacey, said it was a “genuine error” by the actor’s legal team from the prominent British law firm Carter-Ruck.
Spacey will face a civil trial in the UK after being sued by a man who alleges he sexually assaulted him, according to Variety.
The trial will take place early next year. The man, who has been granted anonymity by the court, claims he “suffered psychiatric damage and other financial loss” as a result of the alleged sexual assault.
Spacey’s legal team was in court today responding to a judgement in favor of Spacey’s accuser after it failed to file his defense in time. Spacey was not present. According to Reuters, Adam Speker, a lawyer representing Spacey, said it was a “genuine error” by the actor’s legal team from the prominent British law firm Carter-Ruck.
- 5/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahead of the premiere of the British documentary that delves into Kevin Spacey’s history of allegedly inappropriate and exploitative behavior, the actor addressed some of the new accusations against him in a nearly two-hour video interview posted on social media.
The two-part Spacey Unmasked, which airs in the UK next week and features the testimony of 10 men — nine of whom have never spoken publicly before — who each bring allegations against Spacey, ranging from sexual harassment to a claim that the actor pleasured himself during a screening of Saving Private Ryan.
The two-part Spacey Unmasked, which airs in the UK next week and features the testimony of 10 men — nine of whom have never spoken publicly before — who each bring allegations against Spacey, ranging from sexual harassment to a claim that the actor pleasured himself during a screening of Saving Private Ryan.
- 5/5/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Kevin Spacey finds himself in the headlines once again as a new Channel 4 documentary, Spacey Unmasked is bringing unheard testimonials from 10 alleged victims to light. The alleged victims have voiced their uncomfortable experiences with the former, with one particular incident being downright disturbing.
Kevin Spacey in American Beauty
While he has been cleared of all the charges of sexual assault leveled against him last year, the new docu-series brings light on other allegations of his inappropriate behavior. One alleged victim recalled their encounter, revealing that the actor performed a lewd act while watching Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed movie, Saving Private Ryan in theatres.
Kevin Spacey Allegedly Performed a Disturbing Act While Watching Saving Private Ryan
The two-part documentary series, Spacey Unmasked features interviews with 10 individuals, reflecting on their experience with the Oscar-winning actor.
Suggested“The man is an a**hole”: Lord of the Rings Star Reveals Kevin Spacey...
Kevin Spacey in American Beauty
While he has been cleared of all the charges of sexual assault leveled against him last year, the new docu-series brings light on other allegations of his inappropriate behavior. One alleged victim recalled their encounter, revealing that the actor performed a lewd act while watching Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed movie, Saving Private Ryan in theatres.
Kevin Spacey Allegedly Performed a Disturbing Act While Watching Saving Private Ryan
The two-part documentary series, Spacey Unmasked features interviews with 10 individuals, reflecting on their experience with the Oscar-winning actor.
Suggested“The man is an a**hole”: Lord of the Rings Star Reveals Kevin Spacey...
- 5/4/2024
- by Priya Sharma
- FandomWire
Responding to new sexual assault allegations brought to light by U.K.’s Channel 4 in the documentary “Spacey Unmasked”, Kevin Spacey sat down for an interview on X, formerly Twitter, with controversial British journalist Dan Wooton. In the documentary, which airs next week and will stream on Max via an acquisition by ID Network, nine new victims come forward accusing Spacey of various forms of inappropriate behavior ranging from sexual harassment on set to masturbating in a movie theater during the storming of Normandy scene in “Saving Private Ryan”.
“I take full responsibility for my past behavior and my actions,” Spacey said in his interview on X. “But I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologize to anyone who’s made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me.”
These allegations and interview come less than a year after a U.K. court found Spacey not guilty...
“I take full responsibility for my past behavior and my actions,” Spacey said in his interview on X. “But I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologize to anyone who’s made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me.”
These allegations and interview come less than a year after a U.K. court found Spacey not guilty...
- 5/4/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Kevin Spacey has spoken out against allegations of his illegal behaviour, ahead of a documentary about him due to air next week.
The actor, who was previously cleared of sexual assault after trials in the US and UK, gave an interview to former Gb News presenter Dan Wootton on his Outspoken channel on YouTube, where Spacey said that he may have at times in the past behaved inappropriately, but denied that he had behaved illegally.
He told Wootton:
“I take full responsibility for my past behaviour and my actions. But I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologise to anyone who’s made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me.
“I’ve never told someone that if they give me sexual favours, then I will help them out with their career, ever.
“I’ve clearly hooked up with, you know, some men who thought they might get...
The actor, who was previously cleared of sexual assault after trials in the US and UK, gave an interview to former Gb News presenter Dan Wootton on his Outspoken channel on YouTube, where Spacey said that he may have at times in the past behaved inappropriately, but denied that he had behaved illegally.
He told Wootton:
“I take full responsibility for my past behaviour and my actions. But I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologise to anyone who’s made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me.
“I’ve never told someone that if they give me sexual favours, then I will help them out with their career, ever.
“I’ve clearly hooked up with, you know, some men who thought they might get...
- 5/4/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Spacey has responded to abuse allegations against him in the new doc “Spacey Unmasked” via a video response posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Journalist Dan Wootton interviewed Spacey in a lengthy video titled “Right of Reply,” and Spacey asserted, “I’ve got nothing left to hide.”
“Why didn’t you just deny it?” Wootton asked about the early Anthony Rapp allegation. Spacey said he didn’t know what to do. “I honestly do not remember the encounter. If I did behave then as he described, I owe him a sincere apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior,” Spacey read from his statement to Buzzfeed at the time.
Wootton proposes that Rapp brought his allegations out of jealousy, while Spacey explains how he didn’t grasp the assault allegations at first, thinking that Rapp’s motive was to out his homosexuality. “I will never again...
Journalist Dan Wootton interviewed Spacey in a lengthy video titled “Right of Reply,” and Spacey asserted, “I’ve got nothing left to hide.”
“Why didn’t you just deny it?” Wootton asked about the early Anthony Rapp allegation. Spacey said he didn’t know what to do. “I honestly do not remember the encounter. If I did behave then as he described, I owe him a sincere apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior,” Spacey read from his statement to Buzzfeed at the time.
Wootton proposes that Rapp brought his allegations out of jealousy, while Spacey explains how he didn’t grasp the assault allegations at first, thinking that Rapp’s motive was to out his homosexuality. “I will never again...
- 5/3/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Update: Kevin Spacey has ended up sitting for a interview with broadcaster Dan Wooton, in which he attempts to defend himself against new allegations, all of which he denies saying “I have nothing left to hide”:
I will no longer be speechless.
Thank you in advance to all of those who take the time to view this interview. https://t.co/OppjgctQuW
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) May 3, 2024
Kevin Spacey may have been found not guilty in his 2023 sex offense trial, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be easily creeping back into the public consciousness…at least not the way he wants. Even with that verdict, there are still new accusations being made against the two-time Oscar winner, with the most recent triggering Spacey to launch into a rant on social media.
Ahead of next week’s airing of the two-part docuseries Spacey Unmasked, Kevin Spacey took to X to...
I will no longer be speechless.
Thank you in advance to all of those who take the time to view this interview. https://t.co/OppjgctQuW
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) May 3, 2024
Kevin Spacey may have been found not guilty in his 2023 sex offense trial, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be easily creeping back into the public consciousness…at least not the way he wants. Even with that verdict, there are still new accusations being made against the two-time Oscar winner, with the most recent triggering Spacey to launch into a rant on social media.
Ahead of next week’s airing of the two-part docuseries Spacey Unmasked, Kevin Spacey took to X to...
- 5/3/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Kevin Spacey has fired back at new allegations of sexual harassment and assault set to be heard as part of a Channel 4 documentary, Spacey Unmasked, premiering in the U.K. on May 6-7.
“I’ve got nothing left to hide,” Spacey told former U.K. broadcaster Dan Wootton during a two hour, 20 minutes interview titled Kevin Spacey: Right of Reply, which streamed on X (formerly Twitter).
Having seen off earlier allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in civil and criminal court cases in the U.S. and the U.K., Spacey said he refused to stand by and stay silent as fresh allegations were made in the Channel 4 documentary. “I can’t go through this again, allowing myself to be basically attacked without defending myself as well,” he told Wootton.
While accepting that he may have flirted with or hooked up with fellow actors in the past, Spacey denied that...
“I’ve got nothing left to hide,” Spacey told former U.K. broadcaster Dan Wootton during a two hour, 20 minutes interview titled Kevin Spacey: Right of Reply, which streamed on X (formerly Twitter).
Having seen off earlier allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in civil and criminal court cases in the U.S. and the U.K., Spacey said he refused to stand by and stay silent as fresh allegations were made in the Channel 4 documentary. “I can’t go through this again, allowing myself to be basically attacked without defending myself as well,” he told Wootton.
While accepting that he may have flirted with or hooked up with fellow actors in the past, Spacey denied that...
- 5/3/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
British royal family news reveals the unsettling truth that Meghan Markle and her second husband Prince Harry think that Meghan is better fitted to be queen than either Queen Camilla or Princess Catherine. Because she’s American?!
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been entertaining us with their lunatic ideas for the last four years and apparently they aren’t going to stop anytime soon. Keep reading to discover how little the royal traitors think of the monarchy and his family.
Royal Family News – Queen Meghan Doesn’t Have a Nice Ring to It
Royal expert Angela Levin disclosed the alarming news that Harry thinks that his B-list wife Meghan should ascend to the throne as queen, not Kate Middleton or Camilla.
She told former Gb News journalist Dan Wootton: “He believes – and this must surprise you – that Meghan is the one who should take over as Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been entertaining us with their lunatic ideas for the last four years and apparently they aren’t going to stop anytime soon. Keep reading to discover how little the royal traitors think of the monarchy and his family.
Royal Family News – Queen Meghan Doesn’t Have a Nice Ring to It
Royal expert Angela Levin disclosed the alarming news that Harry thinks that his B-list wife Meghan should ascend to the throne as queen, not Kate Middleton or Camilla.
She told former Gb News journalist Dan Wootton: “He believes – and this must surprise you – that Meghan is the one who should take over as Queen.
- 4/18/2024
- by Tanya Clark
- Celebrating The Soaps
Is it time for them to step up and finally say something? That’s what a lot of royal fans and critics alike can’t help but wonder as both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being slammed for ignoring their ‘Sussex Squad’ and all their nasty trolling against Kate Middleton.
As many royal fans are aware by now, the Princess of Wales had announced her cancer diagnosis last week.
Before that, internet trolls spread rumors about the state of her marriage, suggested she never had surgery to begin with and even hinted that she might have been in a coma. Keep reading below for everything you need to know.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Slammed For Ignoring ‘Nasty’ Sussex Squad
Is it time for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to say something to their supposed fans? That’s what a lot of critics want to know.
They are also...
As many royal fans are aware by now, the Princess of Wales had announced her cancer diagnosis last week.
Before that, internet trolls spread rumors about the state of her marriage, suggested she never had surgery to begin with and even hinted that she might have been in a coma. Keep reading below for everything you need to know.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Slammed For Ignoring ‘Nasty’ Sussex Squad
Is it time for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to say something to their supposed fans? That’s what a lot of critics want to know.
They are also...
- 3/31/2024
- by Maya Jimenez
- Celebrating The Soaps
The boss of Gb News has criticized Ofcom for being too slow with its investigations.
The UK regulator is in various stages of more than a dozen Gb News probes and rapped the network over five breaches of its code last week in what was its biggest finding since Gb’s launch.
But CEO Angelos Frangopolous said the regulator needs to speed up “so that any learnings we could take from the outcome [of investigations] we can apply immediately.”
Speaking to a House of Lords committee, the former Sky News Australia boss said “there is a large gap between investigations being started and receiving the outcome of the investigation, and receiving outcomes 12 months after an investigation has started is really difficult for us to operate in.”
“We’ve had more than 50 enquiries from Ofcom in the past three years and we have responded diligently and professionally and on time,” he said. “It...
The UK regulator is in various stages of more than a dozen Gb News probes and rapped the network over five breaches of its code last week in what was its biggest finding since Gb’s launch.
But CEO Angelos Frangopolous said the regulator needs to speed up “so that any learnings we could take from the outcome [of investigations] we can apply immediately.”
Speaking to a House of Lords committee, the former Sky News Australia boss said “there is a large gap between investigations being started and receiving the outcome of the investigation, and receiving outcomes 12 months after an investigation has started is really difficult for us to operate in.”
“We’ve had more than 50 enquiries from Ofcom in the past three years and we have responded diligently and professionally and on time,” he said. “It...
- 3/26/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ofcom has delivered its biggest Gb News judgement yet, finding the network in breach on five different occasions over the thorny issue of politicians acting as news presenters.
Ofcom said Gb News is now “on notice that any repeated breaches of Rules 5.1 and 5.3 may result in the imposition of a statutory sanction” that could include a fine. Sanctions can also include a direction not to repeat content, a direction to broadcast a correction or a statement of Ofcom’s findings and, in the most serious cases, shortening, suspending or revoking a licence.
The shows found to have been in breach are two episodes of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation, two episodes of Friday Morning with Esther and Phil, and one episode of Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil, broadcast during May and June 2023. These episodes broke the part of the Ofcom code that says, “News, in whatever form,...
Ofcom said Gb News is now “on notice that any repeated breaches of Rules 5.1 and 5.3 may result in the imposition of a statutory sanction” that could include a fine. Sanctions can also include a direction not to repeat content, a direction to broadcast a correction or a statement of Ofcom’s findings and, in the most serious cases, shortening, suspending or revoking a licence.
The shows found to have been in breach are two episodes of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation, two episodes of Friday Morning with Esther and Phil, and one episode of Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil, broadcast during May and June 2023. These episodes broke the part of the Ofcom code that says, “News, in whatever form,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeff Zucker did not hold back today in taking on some of Britain’s biggest media stalwarts as RedBird Imi pushes on with its bid to buy The Telegraph and Spectator publications.
Speaking to The News Agents podcast, the former CNN boss hit out at Andrew Neil, chair of The Spectator, and Paul Marshall, co-owner of right-leaning news network Gb News, who has made a rival bid for The Tele.
Zucker blasted Gb News founder Neil as “quite the hypocrite” after alleging that Neil had been interested in becoming chair of a combined Editorial Trust Board for The Telegraph and Spectator, which RedBird Imi turned down.
“And ever since that day, he’s been one of our most vocal critics,” Zucker said. “And I think that says all you need to know about Andrew Neil. And since I am sure that he’s going to deny this and pretend that didn’t happen,...
Speaking to The News Agents podcast, the former CNN boss hit out at Andrew Neil, chair of The Spectator, and Paul Marshall, co-owner of right-leaning news network Gb News, who has made a rival bid for The Tele.
Zucker blasted Gb News founder Neil as “quite the hypocrite” after alleging that Neil had been interested in becoming chair of a combined Editorial Trust Board for The Telegraph and Spectator, which RedBird Imi turned down.
“And ever since that day, he’s been one of our most vocal critics,” Zucker said. “And I think that says all you need to know about Andrew Neil. And since I am sure that he’s going to deny this and pretend that didn’t happen,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has said the 40% indie film tax relief will bring balance to a movie sector that has swung too far towards big-budget fare in recent years.
The Conservatives unveiled the relief yesterday on films below £15M ($19M) budget, which was celebrated as a “game-changer” by figures ranging from Christopher Nolan to Ridley Scott to Gurinder Chadha.
Frazer said the latest set of tax reliefs brought in by the government, which it predicts will be worth £1B in additional relief over the next five years, are the “continuation” of a decade’s worth of work and will level the playing field between big-budget U.S. movies like Barbie that filmed in the UK and smaller indie fare.
“We’re supporting big productions and big international films on British soil but we need to do both and help indie films as well,” she said, as she sat...
The Conservatives unveiled the relief yesterday on films below £15M ($19M) budget, which was celebrated as a “game-changer” by figures ranging from Christopher Nolan to Ridley Scott to Gurinder Chadha.
Frazer said the latest set of tax reliefs brought in by the government, which it predicts will be worth £1B in additional relief over the next five years, are the “continuation” of a decade’s worth of work and will level the playing field between big-budget U.S. movies like Barbie that filmed in the UK and smaller indie fare.
“We’re supporting big productions and big international films on British soil but we need to do both and help indie films as well,” she said, as she sat...
- 3/8/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Controversial broadcaster Dan Wootton has quit Gb News a day after Ofcom rapped his show over Laurence Fox’s “unambiguously misogynistic” rant.
Wootton said in an X statement that he will launch his own platform, “which will feature a brand new daily news and opinion show from later this year that will not be regulated by the Ofcommunist censors.”
He slammed the Ofcom ruling, adding: “Yesterday’s chilling Ofcom report clearly raises far bigger issues. How can any British broadcaster truly stand for freedom of expression when state goons have the power to decide what you are and are not allowed to say on air? Unlike the freedoms enjoyed in the US thanks to the first amendment, how can these media outlets ever be anything other than controlled opposition?”
A Gb News statement said: “Dan Wootton joined Gb News before its launch and was a part of the first on-air line up.
Wootton said in an X statement that he will launch his own platform, “which will feature a brand new daily news and opinion show from later this year that will not be regulated by the Ofcommunist censors.”
He slammed the Ofcom ruling, adding: “Yesterday’s chilling Ofcom report clearly raises far bigger issues. How can any British broadcaster truly stand for freedom of expression when state goons have the power to decide what you are and are not allowed to say on air? Unlike the freedoms enjoyed in the US thanks to the first amendment, how can these media outlets ever be anything other than controlled opposition?”
A Gb News statement said: “Dan Wootton joined Gb News before its launch and was a part of the first on-air line up.
- 3/6/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: Actor turned right-wing political activist Laurence Fox’s misogynistic rant on episode of “Dan Wootton Tonight” on U.K. channel Gb News has fallen afoul of media regulator Ofcom.
Comments made during the program by Fox targeting female political journalist, Ava Evans, prompted 8,867 complaints to Ofcom with viewers expressing concerns that his remarks were sexist, misogynistic and offensive.
Ofcom launched an investigation into the matter. “We found that Mr. Fox’s comments constituted a highly personal attack on Ms. Evans and were potentially highly offensive to viewers. They reduced her contribution to a broadcast discussion on mental health – in her professional capacity as a political journalist – to a judgment on whether she, or women like her who publicly expressed their political opinions, were sexually desirable to men,” Ofcom said. “As such, we considered that Mr. Fox’s comments were degrading and demeaning both to Ms Evans and women generally...
Comments made during the program by Fox targeting female political journalist, Ava Evans, prompted 8,867 complaints to Ofcom with viewers expressing concerns that his remarks were sexist, misogynistic and offensive.
Ofcom launched an investigation into the matter. “We found that Mr. Fox’s comments constituted a highly personal attack on Ms. Evans and were potentially highly offensive to viewers. They reduced her contribution to a broadcast discussion on mental health – in her professional capacity as a political journalist – to a judgment on whether she, or women like her who publicly expressed their political opinions, were sexually desirable to men,” Ofcom said. “As such, we considered that Mr. Fox’s comments were degrading and demeaning both to Ms Evans and women generally...
- 3/4/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Ofcom has said it has “significant concerns about Gb News’ editorial control of its live output” after rapping the network for Laurence Fox’s highly misogynistic rant on Dan Wootton’s show.
Gb News, which is currently being investigated for around a dozen potential infringements of Ofcom’s code, was found to be in breach of the rules governing “generally accepted standards.”
For the second time, Ofcom urged Gb News to “attend a meeting at our offices” to discuss the breach. “In light of the circumstances of this case, Ofcom has significant concerns about Gb News’ editorial control of its live output,” it said. “We are requiring Gb News to provide further detailed information about its compliance practices in this area for Ofcom’s consideration.”
The incident was by far and away the most complained about TV show to Ofcom in 2023. Fox, who was fired from the network in the aftermath,...
Gb News, which is currently being investigated for around a dozen potential infringements of Ofcom’s code, was found to be in breach of the rules governing “generally accepted standards.”
For the second time, Ofcom urged Gb News to “attend a meeting at our offices” to discuss the breach. “In light of the circumstances of this case, Ofcom has significant concerns about Gb News’ editorial control of its live output,” it said. “We are requiring Gb News to provide further detailed information about its compliance practices in this area for Ofcom’s consideration.”
The incident was by far and away the most complained about TV show to Ofcom in 2023. Fox, who was fired from the network in the aftermath,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
London’s Metropolitan Police will take no further action against suspended Gb News anchor Dan Wootton.
The police had examined allegations that Wootton used fake online identities and offered money to others for explicit material of themselves. Wootton has previously said he made “errors of judgement” but denied criminality.
A Met Police spokesman told the BBC: “In June 2023, the Metropolitan Police was contacted with regards to allegations of sexual offences committed by a man aged in his 40s. Officers assessed all information available to establish whether any criminal offence has taken place.”
It added: “An investigation was commenced into these allegations. All parties involved have now been advised that no further action will be taken. There were no arrests during the investigation.”
Via his lawyer, Wootton issued a statement saying that the allegations were “completely spurious – lies designed to destroy my career where complainants were actuated by malice”.
Wootton...
The police had examined allegations that Wootton used fake online identities and offered money to others for explicit material of themselves. Wootton has previously said he made “errors of judgement” but denied criminality.
A Met Police spokesman told the BBC: “In June 2023, the Metropolitan Police was contacted with regards to allegations of sexual offences committed by a man aged in his 40s. Officers assessed all information available to establish whether any criminal offence has taken place.”
It added: “An investigation was commenced into these allegations. All parties involved have now been advised that no further action will be taken. There were no arrests during the investigation.”
Via his lawyer, Wootton issued a statement saying that the allegations were “completely spurious – lies designed to destroy my career where complainants were actuated by malice”.
Wootton...
- 2/22/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Laurence Fox has lost his libel case after calling two people including a former Drag Race contestant “paedophiles” on social media.
The actor-turned-politician, who was fired by Gb News late last year for highly misogynistic remarks, heard his comments labeled “harmful, defamatory and baseless” by a High Court judge this afternoon in London, according to the BBC.
Fox was sued by former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Crystal and Simon Blake, a trustee of UK charity Stonewall, after referring to them as “paedophiles” on X, formerly Twitter.
Both have previously said they faced abuse after the former Lewis star’s tweet and today posted on X after the trial that “a huge weight” has been lifted. Crystal, whose real name is Colin Munro Seymour, competed in the first season of Drag Race in the UK.
Fox counter-sued the pair over tweets accusing him of racism but the judge did...
The actor-turned-politician, who was fired by Gb News late last year for highly misogynistic remarks, heard his comments labeled “harmful, defamatory and baseless” by a High Court judge this afternoon in London, according to the BBC.
Fox was sued by former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Crystal and Simon Blake, a trustee of UK charity Stonewall, after referring to them as “paedophiles” on X, formerly Twitter.
Both have previously said they faced abuse after the former Lewis star’s tweet and today posted on X after the trial that “a huge weight” has been lifted. Crystal, whose real name is Colin Munro Seymour, competed in the first season of Drag Race in the UK.
Fox counter-sued the pair over tweets accusing him of racism but the judge did...
- 1/29/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Wootton’s eponymous Gb News show and King Charles III’s coronation attracted the most complaints from U.K. viewers in 2023 according to Ofcom.
The U.K. media regulator has unveiled its list of the most complained about shows this year. Unsurprisingly, most of them were current affairs-related.
A September episode of Wootton’s show, “Dan Wootton Tonight,” topped the list with 8,867 complaints after the anchor and his guest, actor Laurence Fox, made what Ofcom called “misogynistic comments” about a female journalist. Ofcom is currently investigating the complaints.
Meanwhile it was “Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh’s comments during the king’s coronation back in May that attracted the second highest number of objections, with Ofcom receiving 8,421 complaints. Andoh, a guest commentator on ITV’s broadcast of the ceremony, remarked that the Buckingham Palace balcony was “terribly white” as King Charles and his family appeared to wave to the crowds.
The U.K. media regulator has unveiled its list of the most complained about shows this year. Unsurprisingly, most of them were current affairs-related.
A September episode of Wootton’s show, “Dan Wootton Tonight,” topped the list with 8,867 complaints after the anchor and his guest, actor Laurence Fox, made what Ofcom called “misogynistic comments” about a female journalist. Ofcom is currently investigating the complaints.
Meanwhile it was “Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh’s comments during the king’s coronation back in May that attracted the second highest number of objections, with Ofcom receiving 8,421 complaints. Andoh, a guest commentator on ITV’s broadcast of the ceremony, remarked that the Buckingham Palace balcony was “terribly white” as King Charles and his family appeared to wave to the crowds.
- 12/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Laurence Fox’s highly misogynistic rant on Dan Wootton Tonight, which led to the actor and politician’s firing from Gb News, was Ofcom’s most-complained-about TV show of the year in 2023.
The episode in September, in which Fox ranted about journalist Ava Evans – saying no “self-respecting man would climb into bed with her” – narrowly beat complaints around Bridgerton star Adjoah Andoh’s comments during King Charles III’s Coronation to the top spot of the regulator’s annual list.
Fox was fired from Gb News following the rant, which generated nationwide headlines and amassed a total of 8,867 complaints, ahead of Andoh by around 200.
Ofcom investigated almost immediately due to the severity of the breach and it is one of a dozen Gb News shows that have been or are being probed by the regulator this year, with five already found to be in breach. Fox, who regularly featured on...
The episode in September, in which Fox ranted about journalist Ava Evans – saying no “self-respecting man would climb into bed with her” – narrowly beat complaints around Bridgerton star Adjoah Andoh’s comments during King Charles III’s Coronation to the top spot of the regulator’s annual list.
Fox was fired from Gb News following the rant, which generated nationwide headlines and amassed a total of 8,867 complaints, ahead of Andoh by around 200.
Ofcom investigated almost immediately due to the severity of the breach and it is one of a dozen Gb News shows that have been or are being probed by the regulator this year, with five already found to be in breach. Fox, who regularly featured on...
- 12/20/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
As Meghan Markle and her half-sister Samantha Markle’s court case continues, it appears that the Duchess of Sussex plans on “fiercely fighting” her sibling. But a royal commentator claims that as the case evolves, “evidence” revealed “might not be flattering to the Montetico Mama” as this latest fight for Meghan takes another turn.
In the case of Markle vs. Markle, ‘evidence might not be flattering’
Samthana Markle is suing her half-sister Meghan Markle, married to Prince Harry, for libel in a Florida court. Royal commentator Kinsley Schofield weighed in on the topic for Talk TV.
“Samantha is suing Meghan for libel over comments made during her Oprah Winfrey interview and in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan,” Schofield says. “Meghan is fiercely fighting to have this case tossed, hoping that the judge will dismiss it without a trial.”
She continued, “That would save Meghan from having to record a deposition,...
In the case of Markle vs. Markle, ‘evidence might not be flattering’
Samthana Markle is suing her half-sister Meghan Markle, married to Prince Harry, for libel in a Florida court. Royal commentator Kinsley Schofield weighed in on the topic for Talk TV.
“Samantha is suing Meghan for libel over comments made during her Oprah Winfrey interview and in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan,” Schofield says. “Meghan is fiercely fighting to have this case tossed, hoping that the judge will dismiss it without a trial.”
She continued, “That would save Meghan from having to record a deposition,...
- 11/10/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Boris Johnson, the British prime minister who resigned from office last year mired in controversy, has signed as a presenter for Gb News, the provocative British news channel.
Gb News said Johnson will join as a presenter, program maker, and commentator next year. It did not disclose the value of his deal.
“Gb News is an insurgent channel with a loyal and growing following. I am excited to say I will be joining shortly – and offering my frank opinions on world affairs,” Johnson said.
“I will be talking about the immense opportunities for Global Britain – as well as the challenges – and why our best days are yet to come.”
We’re delighted to announce some very exciting news…https://t.co/BRg8ZgTy1X pic.twitter.com/FD0wz0Urkt
— Gb News (@Gbnews) October 27, 2023
Johnson was forced to quit as Pm after a string of scandals, including hosting staff parties...
Gb News said Johnson will join as a presenter, program maker, and commentator next year. It did not disclose the value of his deal.
“Gb News is an insurgent channel with a loyal and growing following. I am excited to say I will be joining shortly – and offering my frank opinions on world affairs,” Johnson said.
“I will be talking about the immense opportunities for Global Britain – as well as the challenges – and why our best days are yet to come.”
We’re delighted to announce some very exciting news…https://t.co/BRg8ZgTy1X pic.twitter.com/FD0wz0Urkt
— Gb News (@Gbnews) October 27, 2023
Johnson was forced to quit as Pm after a string of scandals, including hosting staff parties...
- 10/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Laurence Fox’s Gb News show, in which stand-in presenter Martin Daubney interviewed Reform Party leader Richard Tice about the hot-button small boats issue, has become the latest to be found in breach by Ofcom.
The regulator has rapped Gb News once again for “due impartiality” issues, following an interview between Daubney and Tice that was deemed to be “insufficiently challenged,” with the “limited alternative views presented dismissed,” according to today’s ruling.
During the program, right-wing commentator Daubney, standing in for Fox, gave his views on the topic of immigration and asylum policy, in the context of controversy over small boats crossing the English Channel. He also interviewed the leader of the Reform Party, Tice, which was flagged up by complainants to Ofcom.
“We considered that immigration and asylum policy constituted a matter of major political controversy and a major matter relating to current public policy,” Ofcom said. “When dealing with major matters,...
The regulator has rapped Gb News once again for “due impartiality” issues, following an interview between Daubney and Tice that was deemed to be “insufficiently challenged,” with the “limited alternative views presented dismissed,” according to today’s ruling.
During the program, right-wing commentator Daubney, standing in for Fox, gave his views on the topic of immigration and asylum policy, in the context of controversy over small boats crossing the English Channel. He also interviewed the leader of the Reform Party, Tice, which was flagged up by complainants to Ofcom.
“We considered that immigration and asylum policy constituted a matter of major political controversy and a major matter relating to current public policy,” Ofcom said. “When dealing with major matters,...
- 10/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Laurence Fox, the British actor who has starred in Lewis and White Lines, has been fired from Gb News and arrested on the same day.
Gb News said on Wednesday that it had “ended its employment relationship” with Fox after he was suspended last week for a misogynistic rant about female journalist Ava Evans.
Laurence Fox and Calvin Robinson were both suspended last week pending internal investigations that have now concluded. As of today, Gb News has ended its employment relationship with Laurence Fox and Calvin Robinson. The internal investigation into Dan Wootton continues.
— Gb News (@Gbnews) October 4, 2023
Fox’s Gb News rant, in which he claimed no “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with Evans, has become the most complained about moment on British TV since 2021. He has since apologized to Evans for his remarks.
Fellow Gb News presenter Calvin Robinson has also lost his job after declaring his support for Wootton,...
Gb News said on Wednesday that it had “ended its employment relationship” with Fox after he was suspended last week for a misogynistic rant about female journalist Ava Evans.
Laurence Fox and Calvin Robinson were both suspended last week pending internal investigations that have now concluded. As of today, Gb News has ended its employment relationship with Laurence Fox and Calvin Robinson. The internal investigation into Dan Wootton continues.
— Gb News (@Gbnews) October 4, 2023
Fox’s Gb News rant, in which he claimed no “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with Evans, has become the most complained about moment on British TV since 2021. He has since apologized to Evans for his remarks.
Fellow Gb News presenter Calvin Robinson has also lost his job after declaring his support for Wootton,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Laurence Fox rant on Dan Wootton Tonight is now comfortably the most complained about broadcast of the past two years while complaints have come flooding in for yet another Gb News show, Lee Anderson’s interview with Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Another 1,500 complaints have been filed to regulator Ofcom over Fox’s rant, bringing the total close to 9,000 and meaning the edition has now totted up the most complaints since an episode of Love Island in August 2021, which attracted nearly 25,000.
The Dan Wootton Tonight episode, which has seen both Wootton and Fox suspended and Ofcom open an immediate investigation, featured Fox making highly misogynistic comments about female political journalist Ava Evans. He claimed no “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with her, while Wootton could be heard laughing before he later apologized on social media. Wootton has also had his MailOnline column terminated. Evans has said she has received multiple threats on social media.
Another 1,500 complaints have been filed to regulator Ofcom over Fox’s rant, bringing the total close to 9,000 and meaning the edition has now totted up the most complaints since an episode of Love Island in August 2021, which attracted nearly 25,000.
The Dan Wootton Tonight episode, which has seen both Wootton and Fox suspended and Ofcom open an immediate investigation, featured Fox making highly misogynistic comments about female political journalist Ava Evans. He claimed no “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with her, while Wootton could be heard laughing before he later apologized on social media. Wootton has also had his MailOnline column terminated. Evans has said she has received multiple threats on social media.
- 10/4/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The journalist at the heart of the Gb News storm in the UK says she fears for her safety and is uncertain whether she will be able to carry on in her job.
Ava Evans, who works for the Political Joe website, found herself at the centre of a media debacle this week, when actor turned activist Laurence Fox appeared as a contributor to Gb News (where he also has a show) and slammed her using misogynist language.
Evans had angered Fox with comments earlier in the day about mental health problems not being limited to men. On Gb News, he called her “a little woman” and added “Who would want to s**g that?”
On Saturday, Evans told the Daily Mail that she intended to go to the police, after receiving a huge amount of abuse on social media, including rape threats. She said, “I do actually fear for my safety.
Ava Evans, who works for the Political Joe website, found herself at the centre of a media debacle this week, when actor turned activist Laurence Fox appeared as a contributor to Gb News (where he also has a show) and slammed her using misogynist language.
Evans had angered Fox with comments earlier in the day about mental health problems not being limited to men. On Gb News, he called her “a little woman” and added “Who would want to s**g that?”
On Saturday, Evans told the Daily Mail that she intended to go to the police, after receiving a huge amount of abuse on social media, including rape threats. She said, “I do actually fear for my safety.
- 9/30/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Another Gb News presenter has been suspended.
Calvin Robinson took to X/Twitter on Friday to write a lengthy message criticizing the UK channel for suspending Dan Wootton over his role in a misogynistic segment on Dan Wootton Tonight before quickly following up to say he had also been stepped down.
This story is moving fast and Robinson’s statement came soon after Gb News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos said Laurence Fox’s comments about journalist Ava Evans were “appalling” and offered a personal apology to her. Fox has also released a video saying he expects to be sacked today.
A Gb spokesperson confirmed that the network has suspended Robinson “pending an investigation.”
Robinson, a deacon for the evangelical Free Church of England and right-wing commentator, claimed Gb News “will be on borrowed time” if it does not support Wootton, adding: “We will all be the next in the firing line.
Calvin Robinson took to X/Twitter on Friday to write a lengthy message criticizing the UK channel for suspending Dan Wootton over his role in a misogynistic segment on Dan Wootton Tonight before quickly following up to say he had also been stepped down.
This story is moving fast and Robinson’s statement came soon after Gb News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos said Laurence Fox’s comments about journalist Ava Evans were “appalling” and offered a personal apology to her. Fox has also released a video saying he expects to be sacked today.
A Gb spokesperson confirmed that the network has suspended Robinson “pending an investigation.”
Robinson, a deacon for the evangelical Free Church of England and right-wing commentator, claimed Gb News “will be on borrowed time” if it does not support Wootton, adding: “We will all be the next in the firing line.
- 9/29/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Ofcom has opened yet another investigation into Gb News following the Laurence Fox rant on Dan Wootton Tonight, which the regulator revealed has received 7,300 complaints.
The regulator said it is investigating under Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code, which states that in applying generally accepted standards broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context.
Ofcom CEO Melanie Dawes said there had been “speculation and commentary” in recent days over Ofcom’s role in the broadcasting landscape since the Tuesday broadcast but the rules “remain unchanged.”
“They are designed to protect audiences from offensive and harmful material, and to uphold the integrity of broadcast news and current affairs programming, while always ensuring that freedom of expression is front and centre in every decision we take,” she said. “This is highly valued by audiences and central to our democracy.”
Having faced pressure since Tuesday, Ofcom has reacted...
The regulator said it is investigating under Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code, which states that in applying generally accepted standards broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context.
Ofcom CEO Melanie Dawes said there had been “speculation and commentary” in recent days over Ofcom’s role in the broadcasting landscape since the Tuesday broadcast but the rules “remain unchanged.”
“They are designed to protect audiences from offensive and harmful material, and to uphold the integrity of broadcast news and current affairs programming, while always ensuring that freedom of expression is front and centre in every decision we take,” she said. “This is highly valued by audiences and central to our democracy.”
Having faced pressure since Tuesday, Ofcom has reacted...
- 9/28/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Presenter Dan Wootton has had his MailOnline column contract terminated following his role in the controversial Laurence Fox segment on his Gb News show.
Wootton has already been suspended by Gb News following the incident, in which right-wing commentator and actor Fox, who also hosts on the channel, made misogynistic comments about female political journalist Ava Evans. He claimed no “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with her.
Wootton, who responded to the comments with laughter before apologising on social media, has now had his Mail column axed.
“Following events this week, Dmg Media can confirm that Dan Wootton’s freelance column with MailOnline — which had already been paused — has now been terminated, along with his contract,” said a Dmg Media spokesperson in a statement to Deadline.
Though Fox has doubled down on his comments, saying he stands by “every word of what I said” and claiming his freedom of expression is being repressed,...
Wootton has already been suspended by Gb News following the incident, in which right-wing commentator and actor Fox, who also hosts on the channel, made misogynistic comments about female political journalist Ava Evans. He claimed no “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with her.
Wootton, who responded to the comments with laughter before apologising on social media, has now had his Mail column axed.
“Following events this week, Dmg Media can confirm that Dan Wootton’s freelance column with MailOnline — which had already been paused — has now been terminated, along with his contract,” said a Dmg Media spokesperson in a statement to Deadline.
Though Fox has doubled down on his comments, saying he stands by “every word of what I said” and claiming his freedom of expression is being repressed,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Update 8.05Am Pst: UK network Gb News has now also suspended host Dan Wootton for his part in last night’s interview in which Laurence Fox denigrated a female journalist by saying that no “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with her.
Wootton sniggered at Fox’s comments on-air but followed up with multiple apologies on social media before Fox was suspended. Per our previous story below, Fox today reacted to Wootton’s online apologies by posting a text thread that seems to show that Wootton sent him ‘crying with laughter’ emojis after the on-air exchange about female journalist Ava Evans.
Gb News said it is carrying out “a full investigation”.
Gb News has suspended Dan Wootton following comments made on his programme by Laurence Fox last night.
This follows our decision earlier today to formally suspend Mr Fox.
We are conducting a full investigation.
— Gb News (@Gbnews) September 27, 2023
Original...
Wootton sniggered at Fox’s comments on-air but followed up with multiple apologies on social media before Fox was suspended. Per our previous story below, Fox today reacted to Wootton’s online apologies by posting a text thread that seems to show that Wootton sent him ‘crying with laughter’ emojis after the on-air exchange about female journalist Ava Evans.
Gb News said it is carrying out “a full investigation”.
Gb News has suspended Dan Wootton following comments made on his programme by Laurence Fox last night.
This follows our decision earlier today to formally suspend Mr Fox.
We are conducting a full investigation.
— Gb News (@Gbnews) September 27, 2023
Original...
- 9/27/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
News that Prince Harry will be in the United Kingdom on the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death was encouraging to royal watchers. While it is unclear if the Duke of Sussex will partake in the day of reflection with his father, King Charles, one thing is sure: Meghan Markle will not attend. One royal expert claims that Meghan will “never set foot in the UK again.”
Will Meghan Markle ever return to the United Kingdom?
Royal experts Lady Colin Campbell and Phil Dampier weighed in on comments made by GBNews host Dan Wootton about Harry’s return to the UK the day before the somber anniversary. They believe any chance of Meghan Markle returning to her adopted home across the pond is nill.
Harry will reportedly be in the United Kingdom, giving a speech at the WellChild Awards. WellChild is one of the few charitable organizations Harry continues...
Will Meghan Markle ever return to the United Kingdom?
Royal experts Lady Colin Campbell and Phil Dampier weighed in on comments made by GBNews host Dan Wootton about Harry’s return to the UK the day before the somber anniversary. They believe any chance of Meghan Markle returning to her adopted home across the pond is nill.
Harry will reportedly be in the United Kingdom, giving a speech at the WellChild Awards. WellChild is one of the few charitable organizations Harry continues...
- 8/25/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
British presenter and journalist Dan Wootton has had his MailOnline celebrity news column suspended as the site’s publisher investigates “a series of allegations.”
The Gb News presenter has not written his column since June 29, which followed the initial reports from an expose in The Byline Times. Wootton denies the allegations, though has admitted making “errors of judgement” in the past.
The allegations name him as ‘Martin Branning,’ a fake online showbiz agent who offered individuals, some of whom were Wootton’s former colleagues, money in exchange for sexual imagery.
One of the most recent articles claims Wootton paid male porn stars to secretly film themselves having sex with men he had targeted. The articles also allege bullying and harassment, and The Byline Times said it has sent a 28-page dossier to UK police. Wootton denies any criminal activity.
The MailOnline’s publisher, Dmg Media and The Sun, where he...
The Gb News presenter has not written his column since June 29, which followed the initial reports from an expose in The Byline Times. Wootton denies the allegations, though has admitted making “errors of judgement” in the past.
The allegations name him as ‘Martin Branning,’ a fake online showbiz agent who offered individuals, some of whom were Wootton’s former colleagues, money in exchange for sexual imagery.
One of the most recent articles claims Wootton paid male porn stars to secretly film themselves having sex with men he had targeted. The articles also allege bullying and harassment, and The Byline Times said it has sent a 28-page dossier to UK police. Wootton denies any criminal activity.
The MailOnline’s publisher, Dmg Media and The Sun, where he...
- 8/4/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
A surprise video shared by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is being called “fake” by royal insiders. They claim that despite their best efforts at showing public unity, the couple “want to make it look like they’re together.” However, this statement comes on the heels of lingering rumors regarding marriage troubles between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala at the Hilton Midtown in New York on December 6, 2022 | Angela Weiss/Afp via Getty Images Royal insiders call Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s video ‘fake’
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first public appearance in three months via video message for the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund. The couple’s Archewell Foundation supports this initiative dedicated to shaping the future of the responsible technology movement.
The couple appeared happy and relaxed...
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala at the Hilton Midtown in New York on December 6, 2022 | Angela Weiss/Afp via Getty Images Royal insiders call Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s video ‘fake’
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first public appearance in three months via video message for the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund. The couple’s Archewell Foundation supports this initiative dedicated to shaping the future of the responsible technology movement.
The couple appeared happy and relaxed...
- 8/3/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Royal author Angela Levin, who accompanied Prince Harry on his royal duties for a year and was once granted privileged access to his Kensington Palace home, claims Meghan Markle treats her husband ‘like a servant.” Levin weighs in on who appears to hold power in the Sussex’s marriage, and claims Meghan’s “controlled everything.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry photographed in 2019 at Bristol Old Vic theatre | Marc Giddings/Afp via Getty Images A royal author believes Meghan Markle ‘controlled everything’ in her marriage to Prince Harry
Angela Levin discussed the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in an interview with GBNews‘s Dan Wootton. The royal author believes there is an uneven distribution of power in the Sussex’s marriage.
She discussed Harry’s reported trip to Africa to film a documentary for Netflix. There, he will follow in the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, who championed causes in the continent.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry photographed in 2019 at Bristol Old Vic theatre | Marc Giddings/Afp via Getty Images A royal author believes Meghan Markle ‘controlled everything’ in her marriage to Prince Harry
Angela Levin discussed the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in an interview with GBNews‘s Dan Wootton. The royal author believes there is an uneven distribution of power in the Sussex’s marriage.
She discussed Harry’s reported trip to Africa to film a documentary for Netflix. There, he will follow in the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, who championed causes in the continent.
- 8/2/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Princess Diana‘s former butler has some strong words for Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle. Paul Burrell claims the Duchess of Sussex befriends people. Then, when they have served their purpose, these friendships are discarded. His commentary comes on the heels of news that Harry and Meghan’s longstanding friendship with David and Victoria Beckham has suddenly come to a halt.
Meghan Markle photographed in 2019 at the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection. Getty Images/Max Mumby Paul Burrell believes Meghan Markle is a ‘predator’
Paul Burrell worked for Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, for 10 years. Subsequently, he served as a footman for the Queen before working for the Princess of Wales until she died in 1997.
Burrell spoke to GBNews‘ Dan Wootton, who shared his opinion regarding the end of Meghan Markle’s friendship with David and Victoria Beckham. The A-list couple reportedly ended their relationship with...
Meghan Markle photographed in 2019 at the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection. Getty Images/Max Mumby Paul Burrell believes Meghan Markle is a ‘predator’
Paul Burrell worked for Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, for 10 years. Subsequently, he served as a footman for the Queen before working for the Princess of Wales until she died in 1997.
Burrell spoke to GBNews‘ Dan Wootton, who shared his opinion regarding the end of Meghan Markle’s friendship with David and Victoria Beckham. The A-list couple reportedly ended their relationship with...
- 8/1/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Updated: Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. tabloid The Sun has responded to a U.K. House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee demand for story verification and insight into the decision-making processes around its Huw Edwards bombshell earlier this month.
In a letter to committee head Caroline Dinenage, The Sun editor Victoria Newton has cited “in-house lawyers with vast experience” in the area and with access to experienced external advice. She also said affidavits were obtained from key witnesses before publication, with corroborative evidence.
“Further comment would encroach into editorial decision-making and legal privilege and extend beyond proper enquiry by parliament into a free press,” Newton wrote. “We stand by our reporting which is subject to law and regulatory oversight.”
Newton also said that relevant material which supports and corroborates The Sun’s reporting of the original Edwards story has been provided to the BBC’s corporate investigations team.
On...
In a letter to committee head Caroline Dinenage, The Sun editor Victoria Newton has cited “in-house lawyers with vast experience” in the area and with access to experienced external advice. She also said affidavits were obtained from key witnesses before publication, with corroborative evidence.
“Further comment would encroach into editorial decision-making and legal privilege and extend beyond proper enquiry by parliament into a free press,” Newton wrote. “We stand by our reporting which is subject to law and regulatory oversight.”
Newton also said that relevant material which supports and corroborates The Sun’s reporting of the original Edwards story has been provided to the BBC’s corporate investigations team.
On...
- 7/26/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The UK’s influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee has written to both the BBC and The Sun over investigations into Huw Edwards and Dan Wootton.
Caroline Dinenage wrote to BBC Acting Chair Elan Closs Stephens yesterday saying the committee is “keen to see that the BBC conducts its two wider reviews in a transparent manner” following the Edwards scandal.
The BBC has launched two reviews since the accusations against Edwards, one of which will be a ‘factfinding’ investigation and the other a more detailed work on protocols. Director General Tim Davie has already said the latter could take several months to report back and a Deloitte partner has been drafted in to help.
“We share your concern to respect the privacy of individuals and to give due regard to the BBC’s duty of care obligations,” said Dinenage’s letter. “As such it is entirely appropriate that the BBC’s...
Caroline Dinenage wrote to BBC Acting Chair Elan Closs Stephens yesterday saying the committee is “keen to see that the BBC conducts its two wider reviews in a transparent manner” following the Edwards scandal.
The BBC has launched two reviews since the accusations against Edwards, one of which will be a ‘factfinding’ investigation and the other a more detailed work on protocols. Director General Tim Davie has already said the latter could take several months to report back and a Deloitte partner has been drafted in to help.
“We share your concern to respect the privacy of individuals and to give due regard to the BBC’s duty of care obligations,” said Dinenage’s letter. “As such it is entirely appropriate that the BBC’s...
- 7/25/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
British broadcaster Dan Wootton has made a public plea for funding to support his legal fight against allegations made against him.
The Gb News presenter was named in an investigation by Byline Times, which alleged that Wootton “hid behind fake online identities to trick and bribe scores of men into revealing compromising sexual material.”
Wootton has spoken out on his evening show, strongly denying the allegations and added that he believed “there are dark forces out to try and take this brilliant channel down,” because, he said, it posed a threat to the establishment.
In a six-minute speech on Tuesday, Wootton told viewers that he had made “errors of judgment in the past” but that “criminal allegations being made against me are simply untrue.”
He has now made a plea for viewers to pledge cash donations to help pay his legal bills. His crowdfunding page, which has a goal of...
The Gb News presenter was named in an investigation by Byline Times, which alleged that Wootton “hid behind fake online identities to trick and bribe scores of men into revealing compromising sexual material.”
Wootton has spoken out on his evening show, strongly denying the allegations and added that he believed “there are dark forces out to try and take this brilliant channel down,” because, he said, it posed a threat to the establishment.
In a six-minute speech on Tuesday, Wootton told viewers that he had made “errors of judgment in the past” but that “criminal allegations being made against me are simply untrue.”
He has now made a plea for viewers to pledge cash donations to help pay his legal bills. His crowdfunding page, which has a goal of...
- 7/22/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
A critic of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, newswoman Megyn Kelly, claims that the former senior royals suffer from a sense of “entitlement.” She shared her point of view regarding how she feels the couple has historically behaved, Prince Harry feeling “special,” and the future of their marriage.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Megyn Kelly in side-by-side photographs | Samir Hussein/Nathan Congleton/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly behaving in a very entitled manner, says Megyn Kelly
“All of it is about entitlement,” newswoman Megyn Kelly deduced what she perceives as the behavior of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She weighed in on the couple’s marriage during an interview with Dan Wootton for GBNews.
“That is what Meghan Markle is about, entitlement,” Kelly claimed. “Him too.”
She continued, “The lawsuit he had in the UK was him saying, ‘I’m special, and I want the rules to be broken for me.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Megyn Kelly in side-by-side photographs | Samir Hussein/Nathan Congleton/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly behaving in a very entitled manner, says Megyn Kelly
“All of it is about entitlement,” newswoman Megyn Kelly deduced what she perceives as the behavior of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She weighed in on the couple’s marriage during an interview with Dan Wootton for GBNews.
“That is what Meghan Markle is about, entitlement,” Kelly claimed. “Him too.”
She continued, “The lawsuit he had in the UK was him saying, ‘I’m special, and I want the rules to be broken for me.
- 7/20/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Cleese has urged the “mainstream press” to “check out” the allegations of innappropriate behavior against Dan Wootton, his future Gb News colleague.
In a tweet yesterday, the Fawlty Towers creator said the media’s failure to investigate the story will be “final proof of their complete corruption.” Cleese will soon start hosting a Gb News show, which he has previously joked will be for the “much neglected demographic” of viewers “who are completely out of touch.”
“If they [the mainstream press] give this the ‘Boris’s phone’ treatment, it is final proof of their complete corruption,” added Cleese on Twitter, as he retweeted an account promoting the investigation into Wootton.
In an article in The Byline Times earlier this week, Wootton, who hosts Gb News’ Dan Wootton Tonight and writes a column for the MailOnline, was accused of posing as a fictitious showbiz agent called Martin Branning and offering thousands of pounds...
In a tweet yesterday, the Fawlty Towers creator said the media’s failure to investigate the story will be “final proof of their complete corruption.” Cleese will soon start hosting a Gb News show, which he has previously joked will be for the “much neglected demographic” of viewers “who are completely out of touch.”
“If they [the mainstream press] give this the ‘Boris’s phone’ treatment, it is final proof of their complete corruption,” added Cleese on Twitter, as he retweeted an account promoting the investigation into Wootton.
In an article in The Byline Times earlier this week, Wootton, who hosts Gb News’ Dan Wootton Tonight and writes a column for the MailOnline, was accused of posing as a fictitious showbiz agent called Martin Branning and offering thousands of pounds...
- 7/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It seems Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview had Prince William majorly on edge. A commentator says the Prince of Wales went so far as to “cut himself off from the world” ahead of the 2021 TV special.
William didn’t eat, hid ‘away’ before Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview aired Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle | Leon Neal/Getty Images
Prior to Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview, which aired in the U.S. on March 7, 2021, wasn’t a particularly pleasant period for William. According to Charlotte Griffiths, The Mail on Sunday’s editor-at-large, the now-41-year-old was “in bits” ahead of the broadcast.
“What I find quite surprising, and I’ve heard this for a long time now from many different sources, is that in the lead up to that Oprah interview, William was quite literally sick with worry,” she said on Dan Wootton...
William didn’t eat, hid ‘away’ before Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview aired Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle | Leon Neal/Getty Images
Prior to Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview, which aired in the U.S. on March 7, 2021, wasn’t a particularly pleasant period for William. According to Charlotte Griffiths, The Mail on Sunday’s editor-at-large, the now-41-year-old was “in bits” ahead of the broadcast.
“What I find quite surprising, and I’ve heard this for a long time now from many different sources, is that in the lead up to that Oprah interview, William was quite literally sick with worry,” she said on Dan Wootton...
- 7/10/2023
- by Mandi Kerr
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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