Ashley Cain has been dealt a huge blow after he was accused of using sexist language in historic tweets. BBC bosses confirmed they will no longer work with him.
BBC Bosses Speak Out
BBC bosses have confirmed that they have “no plans” to broadcast Ashley Cain’s latest documentary series after the presenter was accused of using sexist and misogynistic language in historical social media posts.
The former Coventry City footballer, who has also starred in MTV’s Ex on the Beach, fronted Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone on BBC Three, where he explored issues affecting young men born into a life of criminality. He was due to helm a second series, which was filmed, but will now not be aired after allegations emerged about his social media behaviour.
“The posts by Ashley Cain, albeit from many years ago, are completely unacceptable,” a spokesperson for the broadcaster said. “The BBC has clear requirements around vetting and social media checks, which are undertaken by the production company. In this instance, the process clearly failed and we are investigating why. We are continuing to strengthen our processes to ensure everyone working for, and on behalf of, the BBC meets our values and standards. We have no plans to broadcast the new series of Into the Danger Zone, and no future projects with Ashley Cain.”
Investigation Findings
An investigation led by The Guardian reportedly found that Cain frequently used abusive and sexualised language to refer to women on Twitter, including remarks such as “sl*gs”, “sl*ts” and “psychos”. According to the publication, before his stint at the BBC, he is thought to have told a woman to “go and choke on a c*** you sl**,” in a post from 2014, which has since been deleted.
Cain has yet to speak out over the news, and his public Twitter account appears to have been removed, while his Instagram page is still active. It is believed that the broadcaster requested for the independent production companies that hired him to review the social media checks conducted at the time.
After the allegations were first reported, a spokesperson said: “We are very clear we expect the highest standards of behaviour from everyone who works with or for the BBC. When allegations are brought to our attention we take them seriously. We will consider this information carefully and do not intend to comment further at this stage.”
Career Background
Aside from Into the Danger Zone, Cain also appeared on BBC One’s Celebrity MasterChef last year beside Antony Costa, Ginger Johnson, Jamie Lomas, Chris Hughes and Michelle Heaton. Cain came to fame in 2008 when he joined Coventry City, before enjoying loan spells at Luton and Oxford Town. After his football career came to an end, he swapped over into TV with a stint on the first season of MTV’s Ex On The Beach in 2014, alongside Vicky Pattison and Chloe Goodman. He went on to return for season two, and then again in the fifth series, which aired in 2016.
