GB News hit with Ofcom complaints after TV star compares child rape to 'holiday romance'
Ofcom is currently investigating complaints against GB News following comments made about Dutch child rapist and Olympic beach volleyball player, Steven Van de Velde.
Van de Velde, who made his Olympic debut in Paris this year, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after admitting to raping a 12-year-old British girl when he was 19.
In August 2014, the now 29-year-old flew to the UK after meeting his victim on Facebook. He then raped the girl at an address in Milton Keynes.
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Steven van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl (Image: PA)She stated: "I know 12-year-olds who are sassy and act like they're 16-year-old girls. [The rape] actually sounds like an inappropriate, very inappropriate, romance thing."
Now, the athlete has been met with boos on the court while representing the Netherlands, with sports fans expressing disgust that he was allowed to compete. Woolf commented that this "must be a deeply uncomfortable experience for him", adding that he had "turned his life around".
She refused to label him as a child rapist, arguing that the term was "a bit strong". She added: "If I was judged for everything I did between the age of 12 and 19, I'd probably be in prison or something serious."
Viewers have since criticised Woolf, accusing her of "victim-blaming". Tennis champion Martina Navratilova commented on X: "Representing your country is an honour, not a right.
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"This man dishonours his country and dishonours the whole ideal of being someone for kids to look up to and Emma is trying to blame the 12-year-old girl for the rape. Absolutely deplorable."
Ofcom confirmed it had received several complaints over the comments which were broadcast on Monday's instalment (July 29) of GB News.
A spokesperson said: "We are assessing complaints against our broadcasting rules, before deciding whether or not to investigate." Previously, BBC pundit Paula Radcliffe was forced to apologise after she wished Van de Velde luck.
She had said: "It's a tough thing to do to punish him twice and if he's managed to successfully turn his life around after being sent to prison and to qualify and be playing sport at the highest level, then I actually wish him the best of luck."
GB News hit with Ofcom complaints after TV star compares child rape to 'holiday romance'
GB News hit with Ofcom complaints after TV star compares child rape to 'holiday romance'
GB News hit with Ofcom complaints after TV star compares child rape to 'holiday romance'
GB News hit with Ofcom complaints after TV star compares child rape to 'holiday romance'
GB News hit with Ofcom complaints after TV star compares child rape to 'holiday romance'
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