MP criticised for comparing Today programme interview with John Humphrys to entering the film producer’s bedroom

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Michael Gove has apologised following an outcry over an ill-judged joke comparing tough interviews on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme to going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom.

The environment secretary said his “clumsy attempt at humour ... wasn’t appropriate. I’m sorry and apologise unreservedly.”

He made the remarks on a special edition of Today to mark the programme’s 60th anniversary.



Asked by the presenter John Humphrys whether interviews on Today could make politicians look silly, Gove replied: “Well, I know what you mean. Sometimes I think that coming into the studio with you, John, is a bit like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom.”

The former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, who was being interviewed along with Gove, then added: “John goes way past groping – way past groping.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Michael Gove speaks to BBC Radio 4 presenter John Humphrys at Wigmore Hall in central London. Photograph: Rick Findler/PA

Gove continued by saying: “You just pray that you emerge with your dignity intact, but the broader point is that, yes, you can make a fool of yourself.”

The comments were made in front of an audience of about 500 people in Wigmore Hall in central London. While some laughed and clapped in response, others sat stoney-faced or with a look of disgust.

The comments by Gove and Lord Kinnock were immediately criticised on social media. The Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, tweeted:

Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) Women being abused and raped is not a laughing matter. And it doesn’t make us ‘humourless’ to say so. https://t.co/zWXWAdVWmz

Jo Swinson, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “No, Michael Gove it’s not like that. I have never once feared for my personal safety in a media studio. Don’t trivialise sexual assault.”

The Labour MP Jess Phillips tweeted: “Michael Gove just left the studio without his dignity.”



The shadow education secretary, Angela Rayner, said Gove was “not funny”, adding: “Given current sensitivities [it] is beyond poor judgment – it’s crass.”

Stella Creasy, the Labour MP, added: “This look didn’t work for James Corden … Gove joking about sexual assault just as crass too.”

Corden attempted to make a series of jokes about Weinstein, who faces a string of sexual harassment and abuse allegations, at an event in the US earlier this month.

Nick Robinson, the Today presenter, was in the audience and posted Gove’s comment on social media, which attracted criticism. However, he later clarified: “I know many people are offended by this. To be clear – I tweeted a newsworthy quote without comment.”

Gove tweeted the apology for the comment about 90 minutes after it was broadcast.

Michael Gove (@michaelgove) Apologies for my clumsy attempt at humour on R4 Today this morning -it wasn't appropriate. I'm sorry and apologise unreservedly

The interview with Gove and Kinnock took place in Today’s 8.10am slot, which is traditionally reserved for major political interviews. To mark the anniversary of Today, the pair were invited to discuss the BBC programme and its political interviews.



This was one of a number of segments dedicated to celebrating the 60th anniversary of Today. Other features included Joanna Lumley reading out the time at 8am, Sir Richard Stilgoe singing about Today’s anniversary, and the former presenters Sue MacGregor, Libby Purves and Sally Thompson discussing their experiences of working on the show.

The programme was presented by Humphrys and Sarah Montague, but in a break with the usual format, the other Today presenters Justin Webb, Mishal Husain and Robinson also presented segments. Robinson interviewed members of the audience, which included former Today presenters, correspondents and other staff.

While the programme attracted regular applause from the live audience, it was dismissed as indulgent by critics.

Andrew Adonis, the former transport secretary, said on social media: “Seriously inappropriate ‘joke’, sums up a discreditable episode of Today self-congratulation.

“Frankly a great embarrassment. Today boasting how brilliant it is, rape jokes from a minister. Get back to reporting and questioning.

“Cloying self-congratulation of Today misplaced. Britain in crisis and BBC should be asking what part it played in debasing of public debate.”