Romesh Ranganathan claps back at political activist during Aussie show

UK comedian Romesh Ranganathan has clapped back at a controversial political activist during his Australian show.

UK comedian Romesh Ranganathan has clapped back at a controversial political activist during his Australian show on Tuesday night.

Last year, the 46-year-old funnyman was in a row with actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox over his participation in a campaign encouraging men to “confidently step in” when they see or hear any inappropriate language and behaviour towards women, by telling their friends “maaate”.

Posting a snippet of Ranganathan talking about the movement on Twitter, Fox wrote: “You are not a ‘comedian’ #Maaate.”

During his stand-up gig at the State Theatre in Sydney, Ranganathan spoke about how he was a target for the initiative and fired back at Fox.

“I did a little video then a guy called Laurence Fox found out,” he told the audience.

“He didn’t like me doing this video, and he posted it on his Twitter.

“Now, listen, I don’t know Lawrence Fox, I’m sure he’s a good bloke.

“I’m not the sort of person that’ll come all the way to Sydney and start slagging him off. That’s not my style.

“I wouldn’t do that, but someone else might say he’s a c**t.”

Ranganathan continued: “He’s a c**t that got kicked off a right wing news channel.

“Imagine being so much of a c**t, a bunch of c**ts go this c**t, but that’s a c**t that’s too much coming for this.

Romesh Ranganathan. Picture: Terence Patrick/CBS via Getty Images

Laurence Fox (right) in TV series Lewis. Picture: ITV

Ranganathan, who has a Sri-Lankan background, went on to say that he was trending on Twitter and Fox’s fans were “having a go” at him.

“They got very annoyed … I didn’t know if you’re aware of this, a lot of Lawrence Fox fans are racist,” he said.

“All these people are going to go and these proper races, some of them are saying things like ‘So, we’re not allowed to talk to women anymore. Is that what you’re saying?’

“‘What if a woman was really fit? Then they’ll be women walking around not knowing that they’re bangable.’

“Just keep talking to your mum you f**king incel”.

Fox’s tweet about Ranganathan was criticised by the comedian’s fans with one replying: “He’s much more of a comedian than you are a politician maaaate,”

“Romesh is a good pal, an incredibly decent man and a phenomenal comic. Using a heavily edited clip as part of your wee culture war is pathetic,” another wrote.

“Maaaaate, he literally is. This though was not, this was a piece of advice at the end of the show in support of women,” a third commented.

“Now, Laurence, dear boy -- or should I say “Mate, really?” -- I liked his call to action. And he’s right. More MEN should step up and help other men become better,” a fourth person wrote.

Ranganathan was trending on Twitter. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images

Fox was sacked from GB News over his vile on-air rant about a female journalist.. Picture: GB News

Ranganathan said he backed the campaign “because we can no longer allow sexism and misogyny to be dismissed as ‘banter.’”

He said he wanted to work with others to encourage men and boys to “be better friends to each other and better allies to women and girls.”

He continued: “As men, we have a responsibility to work together to stop sexist and misogynistic behaviour.

“Whether it’s in the classroom, the boardroom or onstage, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.”

Last year, Fox was sacked from UK network GB News over a vile on-air rant about a female journalist.

During a live interview with GB News host Dan Wootton, Fox made “misogynistic” comments, when he called UK political reporter Ava Evans “pathetic” and asked: “Who’d want to s**g that?”

– with The Sun

Originally published as Romesh Ranganathan claps back at political activist during Aussie show