Richard Bacon tells Laurence Fox he 'needs help' in row over Pride flag
The TV presenter spoke out in criticism of the actor-turned-Reclaim Party politician after he shared a video of himself setting fire to rainbow bunting in his back yard.
Richard Bacon has told Laurence Fox "you need help" after he shared a video of himself burning Pride flags.
The former Big Breakfast and Blue Peter presenter spoke out in criticism of the actor-turned-Reclaim Party politician after he shared a video of himself setting fire to rainbow bunting in his back yard in protest against Pride month.
Bacon, 47, tweeted: "You’re saying that if you celebrate being gay under the Pride banner. Then there’s a direct line between that and “child mutilation”. You’re a dad of two. For most of human history, it’s been hard to be gay. (In many places still is). You’re making it hard again. You need help."
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Fox, 45, hit back: "Do I mention homosexuality at any point Richard? There is absolutely no line direct or other between homosexuality and child mutilation. That’s my point.
You’re saying that if you celebrate being gay under the Pride banner. Then there’s a direct line between that and “child mutilation”. You’re a dad of two. For most of human history, it’s been hard to be gay. (In many places still is). You’re making it hard again. You need help https://t.co/1WNGKaiafc
— richard bacon (@richardpbacon) June 19, 2023
"Homosexuality is about two people of the same sex loving each other. Transgenderism is about permanently mutilating young peoples bodies, depriving them of fertility, the ability to experience sexual pleasure, and in many cases condemning them to a shortened life of misery and regret. They are polar opposites."
He added: "You are totally entitled to dismiss me with “You need help” but I would suggest you think about the above first. If I was gay I would be furious that a noble civil relights movement was hijacked by a divisive equity cult hell bent on dividing people down immutable lines of skin colour and sexual orientation. That is my reasoning behind burning that divisive, homophobic flag."
Fox is best known for playing detective James Hathaway in long-running ITV drama Lewis.
He become the centre of a media storm after voicing controversial opinions on political debate show Question Time in January 2020.
During the coronavirus pandemic he became outspoken against lockdown restrictions and in May 2021 he stood for London Mayor, only to lose his ￡10k after getting just 1.8 per cent of votes.
He is now standing as an MP for his Reclaim Party in the upcoming by-election for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
A member of the Fox acting dynasty – his father is James Fox, his uncle is Edward Fox and his cousins are Freddie and Emilia Fox.
Read more: Laurence Fox engaged to marry for second time
He was married to actor and pop singer Billie Piper from 2007 to 2016 and they share two sons Winston, 14, and Eugene, 10.
Watch: Laurence Fox lost his deposit after standing for Mayor Of London
