Nicola Sturgeon hits out at Michael Gove over Weinstein joke

Nicola Sturgeon hit out at Michael Gove on Twitter. Picture: TSPLNicola Sturgeon hit out at Michael Gove on Twitter. Picture: TSPL
Nicola Sturgeon hit out at Michael Gove on Twitter. Picture: TSPL
Nicola Sturgeon has hit out at Environment Secretary Michael Gove after he made a sexual abuse joke about disgraced film-maker Harvey Weinstein.

Mr Gove faced a furious backlash on social media after suggesting that being interviewed by BBC Radio 4 presenter John Humphrys was like “going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom.

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted this morning: "Women being abused and raped is not a laughing matter. And it doesn’t make us ‘humourless’ to say so."

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The cabinet minister later apologised on Twitter, he said: “Apologies for my clumsy attempt at humour on R4 Today this morning - it wasn’t appropriate. I’m sorry and apologise unreservedly.”,

Mr Gove was being interviewed by Mr Humphrys in front of a live audience for the 60th anniversary edition of Radio 4’s flagship Today programme.

Asked what it was like appearing on the programme, Mr Gove replied: “Sometimes I think going into the studio with you John is a bit like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom. You just pray you emerge with your dignity intact.”

Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock, who was being interviewed alongside him, joined in, saying: “John goes way past groping. Way past groping.”Their comments were greeted with laughter and some clapping from some members of the audience in London’s Wigmore Hall.

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Listeners took to Twitter to condemn Mr Gove for his remark, including Labour MP Jess Phillips, who wrote: “Michael Gove just left the studio without his dignity.”Actor Stephen Mangan wrote: “Morning. Here’s a rape joke from Michael Gove to start your day.”

One listener commented that “there are no words for how appalling he is” while another said “Rape and harassment are not a joke @BBCr4today #r4today”.