A “clumsy attempt at humour.”
Michael Gove has apologised “unreservedly” after he made an inappropriate joke that referenced the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal.
Gove was a guest on Today and compared being interviewed by presenter John Humphrys with going into the bedroom of the shamed film producer.
Speaking to 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”.
The environment secretary was speaking in front of a live audience as the show marked its 60th anniversary.
Going into the studio is “like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom – you hope to emerge with your dignity intact” Gove on #Todayat60
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) October 28, 2017
Mr Gove has since apologised and said that this remark was a “clumsy attempt at humour.”
Apologies for my clumsy attempt at humour on R4 Today this morning -it wasn't appropriate. I'm sorry and apologise unreservedly
— Michael Gove (@michaelgove) October 28, 2017
At present, the Los Angeles police department and the Met police are investigating various claims of sexual assault claims that were made against Weinstein.
Since various women came forward to speak out against Weinstein, the film producer has been accused of accused of rape, sexual assault, and harassment by a number of actresses and employees.
Mr Gove’s apology comes after he was heavily criticised for the comments.
Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson took to Twitter to hit out at Mr Gove for “trivialising sexual assault” while MP John Mann said Gove’s remarks were “dangerously not funny”.
Not funny. Dangerously not funny. https://t.co/8OfDpSfUyA
— John Mann (@LordJohnMann) October 28, 2017
No, @michaelgove it's not like that. I have never once feared for my personal safety in a media studio. Don't trivialise sexual assault. https://t.co/8neWSdnWJZ
— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) October 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/HadleyFreeman/status/924181298352132097
"Being interviewed by you John is like going into Harvey Weinstein's bedroom." Michael Gove on Today just now. Idiot.
— Mic Wright (@brokenbottleboy) October 28, 2017
