28 September 2023 , 08:00
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Laurence Fox's row with Romesh Ranganathan has resurfaced amid the outcry following his sexist comments on GB News, and his subsequent suspension.
The former actor, 45, launched a blistering attack on political journalist Ava Evans during an appearance on Dan Wootton ’s GB News show on Tuesday, describing her as a “little woman” and making sickening derogatory comments about her sex life. The failed politician has faced a serious backlash since the rant, and despite being suspended by GB News, Laurence has so far refused to apologise to Ava, instead telling his devoted followers that he would “rather scrub toilets for the rest of my days to retain my dignity”.
Since the controversy began, Laurence has faced criticism on social media, and many have highlighted his previous rows with celebrities over his out-dated stance on sexism and misogyny, including comedian Romesh Ranganathan. Earlier this year, the funnyman joined forces with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on a new campaign that encouraged men to “confidently step in” when they see or hear any inappropriate language and behaviour towards women, by telling their friends “maaate”.
He shared his support for the initiative during a live comedy show, and told the audience: “All I'm asking for you to do is if you see some sort of behaviour like that, you don't have to be big about it. Just have a word – and if that word is just 'mate', then that's all good.” The footage faced positive and negative comments on social media, and it didn’t take long for Laurence to wade into the row with his own comments about the successful author, actor and comedian.
Sharing a snippet from the show in which Romesh spoke about the new campaign, Laurence wrote: “You are not a 'comedian' #Maaate.” His tweet was criticised by many of Romesh’s fans, with one replying: “He’s much more of a comedian than you are a politician maaaate,” while another added: “Romesh is a good pal, an incredibly decent man and a phenomenal comic. Using a heavily edited clip as part of your wee culture war is pathetic.”
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Romesh was involved in the campaign earlier this year (BAFTA via Getty Images)
Laurence has so far refused to apologise (Twitter)“Maaaaate, he literally is. This though was not, this was a piece of advice at the end of the show in support of women,” another commented, as one follower chimed in: “And you’re not married, not an actor , not a singer and not the the MP for Uxbridge.” Another follower defended Romesh’s plea, and wrote: “Now, Laurence, dear boy -- or should I say "Mate, really?" -- I liked his call to action. And he's right. More MEN should step up and help other men become better.”
Speaking about his involvement in the initiative, dad-of-three Romesh said he was backing the campaign “because we can no longer allow sexism and misogyny to be dismissed as ‘banter.’” He said he wanted to work with others to encourage men and boys to “be better friends to each other and better allies to women and girls.” He continued: “As men, we have a responsibility to work together to stop sexist and misogynistic behaviour. Whether it’s in the classroom, the boardroom or onstage, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.”