Michael Gove apologises for ‘clumsy’ Harvey Weinstein sexual assault joke
ENVIRONMENT Secretary Michael Gove apologised “unreservedly” yesterday after he joked that being interviewed by a BBC presenter was like being sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein.
Michael Gove makes Harvey Weinstein joke during BBC interview
The Hollywood producer has been at the centre of a storm in recent weeks after he denied rape and assault attacks on a number of women.
Mr Gove’s comments came as he was being interviewed by Today host John Humphrys during a special show on stage to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the programme.
The flagship Radio 4 show is famous for the grilling it gives politicians.
Asked what it was like appearing on the programme, Mr Gove said: “Sometimes I think going into the studio with you, John, is a bit like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom. You just pray you emerge with your dignity intact.”
Michael Gove apologised ‘unreservedly’ after his Harvey Weinstein joke
John goes way past groping. Way past groping
His comments provoked a huge laugh and applause from some members of the audience in London’s Wigmore Hall.
Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock, who was being interviewed alongside him, then joined in, saying of the presenter: “John goes way past groping. Way past groping.”
Almost instantly Mr Gove was condemned for his remarks and accused of making rape jokes.
Jess Phillips said that Mr Gove had ‘just left the studio without his dignity’
Labour MP Jess Phillips said that Mr Gove had “just left the studio without his dignity”.
Fellow Labour MP Stella Creasy said that a similar attempt at humour by the comedian James Corden had also backfired, adding: “Gove joking about sexual assault just as crass too.”
Actor Stephen Mangan wrote: “Morning. Here’s a rape joke from Michael Gove to start your day.”
One listener commented that “there are no words for how appalling he is” while another said in a tweet directed at the BBC: “Rape and harassment are not a joke”.
Nicola Sturgeon said that ‘women being abused and raped is not a laughing matter’
Former Labour minister Lord Adonis had a swipe at both Mr Gove and the BBC saying: “Seriously inappropriate ‘joke’ sums up a discreditable episode of @BBCr4today self-congratulation.”
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that “women being abused and raped is not a laughing matter. And it does not make us ‘humourless’ to say so”.
Mr Gove tweeted: “Apologies for my clumsy attempt at humour on R4 Today. It wasn’t appropriate. I’m sorry and apologise unreservedly.”