GB News has sparked a significant controversy, with the broadcasting regulator Ofcom receiving almost 4,000 complaints from viewers who accused the channel of airing a "racist and hateful" report concerning Muslim grooming gangs. The uproar centred on comments made by presenter Patrick Christys during his Friday night programme, Patrick Christys Tonight, on February 6.
Patrick Christys' Controversial Remarks
During the broadcast, Christys discussed the independent rape gang inquiry launched by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, which has raised £600,000 through crowdfunding to investigate gang-based sexual exploitation across the UK. This inquiry was initiated prior to the government's announcement of a national inquiry into grooming gangs, with Lowe stating his investigation will proceed regardless.
Christys shared his perspective, stating: "You know, the fact that specifically around Eid, there's testimony that basically some Pakistani men in Britain celebrated Eid by inviting their dads, cousins, brothers, et cetera around so that they could abuse young working-class white girls." He referenced an interview with an anonymous grooming gang survivor, noting her claims of religious motivations behind the attacks, which he described as racist against her as a young white woman.
Viewer Backlash and Ofcom Complaints
The comments prompted a swift and fierce reaction from viewers, leading to 3,815 complaints filed with Ofcom. On social media platform X, one viewer condemned the segment as "pure, dangerous bigotry" and urged GB News to "stop spreading racist lies." Another questioned why the channel is permitted to broadcast "clear lies with no fact checked information on a topic that could cause riots," while a third labelled it "hateful speech."
Some viewers expressed frustration that the outrage seemed directed more at those speaking out than at the perpetrators of the crimes. One wrote: "What I find deeply concerning is these people are more outraged toward the people speaking out than the atrocities towards these girls! Maybe they should direct their anger towards the disgusting perpetrators and put their focus on the victims and what they have endured!"
Patrick Christys' Response to Criticism
In response to the complaints, Patrick Christys took to X to defend his remarks. He posted: "A lot of outrage about the below clip. Instead of calling me racist and reporting me to Ofcom, maybe people should educate themselves about what was actually said at @RupertLowe10’s independent rape gang inquiry…and then maybe ask some questions of their own community." He accompanied this with a quote from the inquiry, though specifics were not detailed in the original report.
Additional Controversy Involving Holly Valance
This incident follows another contentious moment on GB News, involving singer Holly Valance. During a live interview on the Free Speech Nation show with host Josh Howie, Valance used a slur referring to people with learning disabilities while discussing the COVID-19 pandemic. She remarked: "During Covid was the big like tester to see.. like the r****d meter. And Australia was quite high on that."
Howie quickly apologised for her use of the term, stating: "Sorry for using that word, but that's okay, but... I think some people unfortunately might be offended." Valance responded by questioning the show's commitment to free speech, asking: "Hey, are we not Free Speech Nation over here? Where am I?" Howie conceded, "You're right, you've got me there. We are Free Speech Nation, apart from that one word."
Viewers reacted on X, with one noting: "Holly Valance really said filter off and hasn't looked back since. Dropping that on GB News before the watershed is the ultimate middle finger to the polite political establishment." Another commented on her alignment with Reform UK energy, suggesting she is unconcerned about cancellation as her base is firmly secured.
Valance's appearance was linked to her "anti-woke" song Kiss Kiss (XX) My A**e, which had been briefly banned by Apple Music and serves as the soundtrack for Pauline Hanson's film, A Super Progressive Movie. This adds to the channel's pattern of provocative content that continues to generate debate and regulatory scrutiny.
