BBC apologises for presenter's rape comments while discussing Ched Evans
The BBC has apologised after a radio presenter 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 in a live debate about the former Sheffield United striker, who has provoked an outcry after returning to train with the club.
Mr Conrad said: “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.
“And it’s the old adage about if you yank a dog’s tale then don’t be surprised when it bites you.
“Or you can’t keep snakes in the garden and think they’ll only bite your neighbours.”
He went on to suggest feminists had “hijacked” or “jumped on” the debate and appear to be “anti-men”.
“The onus has to be on the men and the men have to be condemned if a woman says no and they persist then that’s absolutely abhorrent,” he added.
“But they then (feminists) in their fury against men and masculinity they actually forget to stop and say if you tease, if you jump into bed naked with a man if you give him all the signals and then he acts upon them then you are partially responsible.”
He concluded his comments saying: “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?”
A BBC Radio Norfolk spokesman told the Eastern Daily Press there had been no formal complaints.
But he added: “As part of a wide ranging discussion where Nick invited the listeners to talk frankly about the Ched Evans case, he made it clear that rape is an abhorrent act.
“BBC management has made it clear to Nick that some of his comments were very ill-judged and he has apologised for any offence that may have been caused.”
His comments provoked criticism from listeners.
Jessica Asato, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Norwich North, joined calls on Twitter for Mr Conrad to apologise on air.
She added: “Comments by BBC Norfolk presenter are demeaning and crass towards women.”
