Michael Gove blasted for 'inappropriate' Harvey Weinstein joke live on BBC Radio 4 Today programme

The cabinet minister has apologised for his 'clumsy attempt at humour'
Francesca Gillett28 October 2017

Tory MP Michael Gove was today accused of "trivialising sexual assault" after comments he made comparing a tough radio interview to going into Harvey Weinstein's bedroom.

The Cabinet minister apologised "unreservedly" for his "clumsy attempt at humour" during an interview on the BBC's flagship Radio 4 Today programme for a special edition marking its 60th anniversary.

Speaking to presenter John Humphrys on Saturday morning, Mr Gove said: "Sometimes I think coming into the studio with you John is a bit like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom – you hope to emerge with your dignity intact”.

Veteran Labour politician Neil Kinnock, who appeared alongside Mr Gove for the interview, added: "John goes further than groping".

Cabinet minister Michael Gove has since apologised.
Bloomberg via Getty Images

The remarks were met with laughter and applause from the studio audience.

But many listeners slammed former journalist Mr Gove, who used to work on the Today programme before going into politics, for his remarks, with some calling his attempt at a joke crass and “disgusting”.

Police are investigating sexual assault and rape allegations against Weinstein.
AP

"Think rape and sexual assault is something to joke about, do you?" one Twitter user wrote while another added: "Because appearing on a radio show equates to being sexually assaulted."

Steph Howarth said: "I was aghast when he said it. Surely nobody with an inch of sense or humanity would think this was a joking matter?"

Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson took to Twitter to hit out at Mr Gove for "trivialising sexual assault".

The MP for Surrey Heath tweeted an apology following the backlash which read: "Apologies for my clumsy attempt at humour on R4 Today this morning -it wasn't appropriate. I'm sorry and apologise unreservedly.

Scores of women have come forward in recent weeks to make allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment against shamed movie producer Harvey Weinstein. The mogul, who was sacked from his own film company, denies all allegations of non-consesual sex.

Police in the UK and US are investigation allegations, including women who say they were assaulted by Weinstein in London.

Corden was hosting the event in front of stars including Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks in Los Angeles when he said: "It's a beautiful night here in LA. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage."

Mr Gove and Mr Kinnock were guests on this morning's radio show to discuss the programme's reputation for being tough on politicians.

The minister for environment Mr Gove told Mr Humphrys: "We deserve it in a way. We have a responsibility, we spend billions of public money, we have to be held responsible."

He added: "I think overall it [the programme] has meant politicians have been kept more honest. The knowledge you can't be a frontline cabinet minister without exposing yourself to questioning."

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