Jonathan Ross now claims he ‘supports’ trans women after blistering backlash from Graham Linehan endorsement
Jonathan Ross at “The Masked Singer” photocall on December 12, 2019 (Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty)
Jonathan Ross appears to have admitted he “supports” trans women in the face of fierce criticism from the British public.
Yesterday the former TV host tweeted in praise of Graham Linehan and his anti-trans crusade, referring to those who support trans rights as “tragically ill-informed”.
He wrote: “I struggle to understand the opinions of intelligent men I previously admired – Jon Ronson and Billy Bragg – that strike me as tragically ill-informed and depressingly self-aggrandising.
“I know you are paying a heavy price for this G, but I admire and applaud you.”
When a Twitter user said they had “a feeling that you may be deleting this at some point”, Ross doubled down by saying: “Well your feeling is wrong.”
Shortly after, Ross’ name was trending on Twitter as people condemned the former TV star for aligning himself with Linehan, who has previously compared doctors treating trans youth to Nazis experimenting on children in concentration camps during the Holocaust.
I am deeply disappointed in you. Graham has been spewing nothing but hatred for one of the most vulnerable minorites, attempted to strip a children’s charity of funding, and is engaging in constant harassment and abuse. Sad to see you jump aboard anti-LGBT hate, Jonathan.
— Cradle of Sloth ? (@CaseyExplosion) March 18, 2020
Here’s Glinner comparing teaching children about LGBT+ people to paedophilia.
Here he is telling me to “fuck off MRA” (men’s rights activist – which I’m not) for calling out LGB Alliance as hate group.You’re applauding and admiring a homophobic, biphobic transphobe. pic.twitter.com/VMGNKO726j
— David Paisley (@DavidPaisley) March 18, 2020
with jonathan ross coming out in support of Graham Linehan my theory is once again confirmed; that transphobic dudes like GL and JR who claim to support women are just redirecting their misogyny to a more acceptable target.
— the one and only woman (@notCursedE) March 18, 2020
How can anyone ‘admire’ bigotry? This is the same Jonathan Ross who has a porn addiction and who called none porn users ‘cowards’. It’s becoming very clear that most ‘comedians’ rely on hate, racism and bigotry for their material and it’s clearly effecting their views in life.
— JRD™ For the Win (@JRD_FTW99) March 18, 2020
Someone else whose life isn’t effected at all by trans issues who can’t mind his own business.
— Patsy Roberts (@PatsyRo93947292) March 18, 2020
I admired you @wossy, even bragged about you following a guy like me, but I must stand with my wonderful trans sister and everyone who needs the right to just be who they are.
This ISN’T about women’s rights – it’s twisting that message to justify bigotry against trans people. pic.twitter.com/cEXsEOE95x— Josh A. Stevens (@Joshawott) March 18, 2020
Others pointed out that Graham Linehan isn’t the only “anti-trans” account he follows on Twitter: LGB Alliance, TransgenderTrend and ReSisters United UK & Ireland are all recent follows of his.
But by the end of Wednesday it seemed that Ross may have been cowed by the mounting criticism.
When the BBC content producer Mike P Williams asked him to clarify whether or not he believes trans women have a right to exist and be treated equally, he replied simply: “Agreed.”
Another Twitter user pressed him further, writing: “Does agreed mean you support trans women or not because it’s really not a clear answer.”
Ross sulkily typed: “I support trans women. Yes.”
PinkNews has contacted Jonathan Ross for comment. Again.
