GB News is facing widespread backlash and 954 official complaints to Ofcom after a controversial row involving comments about LGBTQ+ people. The incident saw presenters Josh Howie and Michelle Dewberry make inflammatory remarks, comparing LGBTQ+ individuals to “paedos” and “deviants,” sparking public outrage.
The controversy began in January when Howie discussed a speech made by the Episcopalian Bishop of Washington, who had addressed President Donald Trump, urging him to show compassion to marginalized groups. In his commentary on the speech, which supported the “full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons,” Howie made the inflammatory remark: “I just want to say that that includes paedos.” This comment quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and viewers alike, reported by Express.
Adding fuel to the fire, Dewberry made separate comments about trans rights during a discussion on the same program. She referred to individuals who cross-dress as women, calling them “deviants” and saying: “Some of these fellas that go around dressed as women with their fake bits in their bras, they are deviants, quite frankly.” Dewberry’s remarks were met with swift condemnation, further intensifying the backlash against the channel.
Following the broadcast, viewers vowed to boycott GB News, with many accusing the presenters of spreading harmful and discriminatory views. The network’s actions have led to nearly 1,000 complaints being lodged with Ofcom, the UK’s broadcasting regulator. The complaints have raised serious concerns about the content and tone of the comments, prompting calls for the network to address the issue.
GB News has yet to issue an official response to the backlash, but the controversy has highlighted ongoing tensions within the UK media landscape over the portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues. Critics argue that such comments perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of intolerance, while supporters of the presenters claim that they were merely offering free speech on sensitive topics.
As the public outcry continues, GB News faces mounting pressure to take responsibility for the comments made by its hosts and to reconsider its approach to sensitive discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
