A former Prime Minister has appeared on a platform hosted by a right-wing American commentator with a history of shocking misogynistic views. Will the Prime Minister take action?
Former PM Under Fire
A former Prime Minister has been criticized for appearing on a controversial political show in America, and calls have been made to remove them from their Party.
Liz Truss Accused of Befriending Misogynist
Former Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister, Liz Truss, appeared on a show hosted by a misogynistic, American commentator who said shocking words about a fellow politician.
The Lotus Eaters Founder Criticised
The commentator in question, Carl Benjamin is the founder of the show, the Lotus Eaters, and has been accused of saying misogynistic comments to a Labour politician.
A Letter to the Prime Minister
Calls have been made for Rishi Sunak to remove the whip from Truss from Jess Philips, a Labour MP, who wrote a letter to the Prime Minister.
Joking About Sexual Assault
Phillips claimed that back in 2016, Benjamin made a gruesome comment to the Labour MP that made light of sexual assault.
The “Joke” in Question
According to Phillips, Benjamin told her that he “wouldn’t even r***” her. The show has far-right views and Truss’s appearance indicates a lot about her own views.
Who Is Carl Benjamin?
Phillips claimed that Benjamin, whose online handle goes by “Sargon of Akkad”, has some “despicable views about violence against women”.
Truss’s Far-Right Background
Truss’s appearance on the far-right platform has received notable backlash given her reputation for not speaking out against dangerous rhetoric in the past.
Misogynists’ Impact on Politics
Phillips urged the Prime Minister in her letter to reconsider Truss’s status as a Tory MP, arguing that men like Benjamin negatively impact politics.
Phillips’ Letter Revealed
“When I highlighted the volume of threats received by female MPs, including myself, Benjamin responded, ‘I wouldn’t even r*** you’”, Phillips said in the letter.
The ‘Joke’ Doesn’t Stop There
According to the letter, Benjamin added “‘There’s been an awful lot of talk about whether I would or wouldn’t r*** Jess Phillips. I suppose with enough pressure I might cave, but let’s be honest nobody’s got that much beer.’”
Living in Fear
Phillips argued that misogynistic men in politics like Benjamin make “women live in fear” by downplaying serious acts of violence that occur against women all too often.
Benjamin’s Response
Benjamin later came out criticising Phillips for her letter, claiming that it was an “attack” on the commentator and that MPs simply can’t take a joke.
A Threat to Democracy
Phillips also argued that allowing politicians like Liz Truss to elevate these platforms weakens the British democratic process by discouraging women from entering politics.
Sunak’s Responsibility to Protect MPs
“You have a responsibility as leader of your Party to uphold high standards among your MPs and candidates, and you have a responsibility as prime minister to foster a safe environment for MPs,” Phillips said to the Prime Minister.
Is Truss a Fan of the Far-Right?
Truss has been criticised in the past for giving platforms to right-wing political commentators, recently failing to counter one particularly controversial comment.
Truss’s Recent Criticism
Truss was criticised for not speaking out against Steve Bannon, a former White House aide to Donald Trump, who made comments about far-right figure Tommy Robinson.
Hailing Tommy Robinson a “Hero”
Bannon hailed the contentious figure Tommy Robinson a “hero” to which Truss refrained from calling out, implying that she had no issues with the statement.
Labour’s Call to Action
This move prompted the Labour Party to call on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to have the whip removed from Truss, although no action was taken.
Tory Party Shows Its Colours
Truss’s latest decision to appear on a right-wing platform shows the Conservative Party’s relaxed approach to right-wing politics and dangerous, misogynistic views.
The post Former PM’s Appearance With Right-Wing Host Known For Misogyny Draws Criticism: Will Action Be Taken? first appeared on Now Buzz.
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