Dan Wootton suspended by GB News after Laurence Fox’s misogynistic comments about Ava Evans

GB News presenter Dan Wootton has been suspended by his employer (Picture: GB News)

GB News has suspended Dan Wootton following comments made on his programme by Laurence Fox.

The broadcaster confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon, which came after it suspended Fox earlier in the day.

On his show on Tuesday evening, Fox made a series of remarks about Ava Evans, known as Ava Santina on X, formerly Twitter, including asking ‘Who would want to shag that?’.

The broadcaster later launched an investigation, branding Fox’s comments ‘totally unacceptable’.

It added that: What he said does not reflect our values and we apologise unreservedly for the comments and the offence they have caused.’

In their latest statement, on Wednesday morning, GB News announced it had taken further measures against Fox and suspended the former actor with immediate effect while their probe continued.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The statement, posted on X, read: ‘GB News has formally suspended Laurence Fox while we continue our investigation into comments he made on the channel last night.

‘Mr Fox’s suspension is effective immediately and he has been taken off air.’

Following the backlash, Wootton apologised in a follow-up post to an earlier apology, also writing on X: ‘I want to reiterate my regret over last night’s exchange with Laurence on GB News. Having looked at the footage, I can see how inappropriate my reaction to his totally unacceptable remarks appears to be and want to be clear that I was in no way amused by the comments.

‘I reacted as I did out of shock and surprise in an off-guard moment while working out how to respond as he continued to speak by searching for tweets Ava Santina had sent earlier in the day while having them read out in my ear at the same time.’

Wootton has been working for GB News over the past two years (Picture: PA)

He added: ‘I apologise unreservedly for what was a very unfortunate lapse in judgment on my part under the intense pressure of a bizarre exchange. I know I should have done better. I’m devastated that I let down the team and our supportive GBN family.

More: Trending

‘We seek to tackle the issue and not the person, which I intend to stress again on air tonight.

After the news of his suspension was revealed, Fox claimed the boadcaster knew some of his intentions before going live.

Alongside the screenshot of a text message which was posted on X, he wrote: ‘A phone call might have been polite.

‘By matter of interest for the audience contributors do a pre interview before going on, so they knew exactly what I intended to say.

‘I fully defend the home of free speech’s right to capitulate to the mob…’

The message seemed to show they knew his opinions on the subject matter, but not the precise language.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Susanna Reid confronts Tory MP over ‘sick’ Laurence Fox comments about reporter on GB News

MORE : Ava Evans says ‘sorry, I’m speechless’ after Laurence Fox’s vile GB News rant