Who is Ava Evans, the journalist targeted by Laurence Fox's misogynistic rant?

This past Tuesday, Ava Evans was the victim of a rant by Laurence Fox who called her ‘little woman’ and said ‘who wants to shag that’. This came after her appearance on a BBC debate with comedian Geoff Norcott discussing Men's urgent mental health crisis.

More specifically, the discussion surrounded the feasability of creating a minister for men as suggested by Tory MP Nick Fletcher. She emphasised:

This argument feeds into the culture war a little bit. In my mind there should be a minister for mental health which should be all encompassing.

She added, 'I think a lot of men bandy this about, and I'm sorry, but to make an enemy out of women’.

Who is Ava Evans?

Ava Evans is the political correspondent for news website Joe and former LBC producer. Evans is a dedicated journalist committed to her craft and unafraid to voice her beliefs. She is very outspoken about issues she is passionate about and she does not hesitate to debate or express her opinions even if they might be considered controversial by some.

This is how the situation escalated

Lawrence Fox believed Ava was belittling men's suicide; he appeared on Dan Wootton Tonight and launched into a tirade attacking her in response to her comments with derogatory remarks as both men chuckled:

Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman ever, ever, who wasn’t an incel. We need powerful, strong, amazing women who make great points for themselves. We don’t need this sort of feminist 4.0. They’re pathetic and embarrassing. Who’d want to shag that?'

Wootton replied:

Sorry, it's true though, I’m just going to provide a touch of balance from her because she did actually respond to this earlier today, saying that she regretted her comments, but she didn’t apologise. So there you go. And she’s a very beautiful woman, Laurence, very beautiful.

Waves of backlash online soon followed this exchange which forced host Dan Wootton to issue a public apology admitting the unacceptable nature of his reaction after viewers criticised his chuckle at the moment.

He stated:

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.

On the other hand Laurence Fox remained defiant in his stance, taking to X Wednesday morning to double down:

Soon after, GB news opened a full investigation, deciding to suspend Fox and soon after that announced a suspension for Dan Wootton.

Ava's response to Fox came on Good Morning Britain. Support for Evans surged on social media platforms, particularly Twitter/X, where she goes by @AvaSantina. Despite the distasteful comments directed at her, there was an outpour of backing for the journalist who received threats through social media. Ava herself commented on the situation, addressing Laurence Fox's remarks about her appearance. Amid the negativity, solidarity with Ava remained strong.

Read more:

⋙ Russell Brand drags Dan Wootton, Huw Edwards and Phillip Schofield back under the spotlight

⋙ Dan Wootton scandal brings up many crucial questions about treatment of Schofield and Edwards

⋙ Dan Wootton: What could be next for the presenter as politicians condemn him

Sources:

Mirror: Laurence Fox breaks silence on vile GB News rant and refuses to issue 'a grovelling apology'

BBC: Ava Evans: Minister for men or minister for mental health?

Metro: Who is Ava Evans? The journalist targeted by Laurence Fox’s ‘incel’ comments