British broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has launched an investigation after listeners complained about a BBC radio presenter who said women should “keep their knickers on” while discussing convicted rapist and footballer Ched Evans.
Nick Conrad, a talk show host on BBC Radio Norfolk, made the comments during a live debate about the former Sheffield United striker, who provoked an outcry when he initially returned to train with the club.
The Ofcom investigation will examine whether his comments he breached “content standards”.
Mr Conrad was described as “ignorant” by campaigners at Rape Crisis England and Wales after saying: “I think women need to be more aware of a man’s sexual desire that when you’re in that position that you are about to engage in sexual activity there’s a huge amount of energy in the male body, there’s a huge amount of will and intent, and it’s very difficult for many men to say no when they are whipped up into a bit of a storm.”
He also said: “What I’m trying to say is that women also have to understand that when a man’s given certain signals he’ll wish to act upon them and if you don’t wish to give out the wrong signals, it’s best, probably, to keep your knickers on and not get into bed with him. Does that make sense?”
The BBC – and Mr Conrad – apologised for his remarks after listeners complained.
A spokesman for the watchdog said: “Ofcom is currently investigating whether the use of derogatory language against women in this live debate about convicted rapist Ched Evans met generally accepted standards.”