The BBC has apologised for interviewing a transgender professional fighter who previously bragged about fracturing a woman’s skull during MMA matches.
The apology came after the BBC interviewed trans MMA fighter Fallon Fox – a biological male that identifies as female – about the swimming world governing body’s decision to bar trans athletes from competing against women if they’ve gone through male puberty.
However, following the interview, the BBC received backlash for failing to press Fox on previous controversial statements allegedly made on Twitter in 2020.
“For the record, I knocked two out,” Fox reportedly said.
“One woman’s skull was fractured, the other not. And just so you know, I enjoyed it. See, I love smacking up TERFSs in the cage who talk transphobic nonsense. It’s bliss!”
TERFs stands for “Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist,” and is generally used as a derogatory slur for feminists who oppose biological males enroaching on female spaces and rights.
After the controversy, BBC interviewer Justin Webb said he “had no idea” about Fox’s alleged tweet.
I think you're right Nikki. I had no idea (and frankly I am one of the better informed on this subject) and the producers didn't either. We need to tackle these issues fairly but not from the 'everyone calm down' perspective that fails to note who is violent and who is not.
— justin webb (@JustinOnWeb) June 21, 2022
The BBC said in a statement that they were “unaware of previous comments made by Fallon Fox,” and if they had been, “we would have conducted the interview differently.”
“We have discussed your concerns with the team responsible and we’d like to apologize for this oversight,” the broadcaster concluded.
However, Fox doubled down, saying: “I stand by my statement.”
The pro fighter continued:
“Lol Transphobic TERFs fighting in the cage deserve no respect from me, a trans woman. Both the Daily Mail and BBC’s Justin Webb allude this is wrong because I’m talking about “hitting women”. Well, WTF they think women do to each other in the MMA cage?”
I stand by my statement. Lol Transphobic TERFs fighting in the cage deserve no respect from me, a trans woman. Both the Daily Mail and BBC’s Justin Webb allude this is wrong because I’m talking about “hitting women”. Well, WTF they think women do to each other in the MMA cage? pic.twitter.com/wj5OIhoZpg
— Fallon Fox (@FallonFox) June 22, 2022
“Miss Fox has since claimed to enjoy beating up women who oppose transgender rights, known derogatively as 'Terfs'.” You bet! And why wouldn’t I when we both sign a contract to beat each other up? I suppose I should’ve been depressed about the prospect of doing my job.🙄
— Fallon Fox (@FallonFox) June 22, 2022
However, the interview resulted in a complaint to the British state broadcaster from women’s sports organisation Fair Play For Women.
“If you knew that Fallon Fox was a trans fighter, you’d also know what Fallon Fox had said,” said Dr. Nicola Williams, the group’s director.
“It’s either that the woke producers didn’t do the basics with research, or they didn’t care. This apology means nothing unless they also issue an on-air clarification — they must do due diligence on this topic by bringing on true experts, not just trans people for the sake of it.”
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