BBC Drops Ashley Cain Series After Guardian Reveals Abusive Tweets About Women

The BBC has canceled the second season of "Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone" after The Guardian uncovered historical misogynistic tweets from the presenter. Cain, a former professional footballer turned reality TV star, was being cultivated by the broadcaster to appeal to young male viewers, but the corporation confirmed it has "no plans" to air the series produced by True North, according to Deadline.

DeadlineBBC Withholds Commitment on Ashley Cain Show After Historical Misogynistic Tweets Surface

"The BBC stated the messages were 'completely unacceptable' and confirmed it has 'no plans' to air the series."

The Guardian reported that Cain, who hosts the BBC Three documentary series and travels to dangerous locations to interview young men on society's fringes, made abusive remarks about women in posts from 2015. The outlet documented that he allegedly referred to women as "slags," "sluts," "psychos," and "bitches." The BBC initially withheld commitment on the show after the investigation, but later moved to cancel it entirely.

Cain, an MTV personality as well as a former professional footballer, had been praised by the BBC for his appeal to young male audiences. The Guardian's investigation revealed the extent of the remarks, which the BBC deemed incompatible with its values. The cancellation marks a swift reversal for a series that had been positioned as a key part of the BBC's youth-oriented programming.

"Cain, a former professional footballer being cultivated by the BBC to appeal to young male viewers, allegedly referred to women as 'slags,' 'sluts,' and 'bitches' in posts from 2015."

The BBC's decision underscores the ongoing scrutiny of public figures' past social media activity, particularly when it conflicts with the corporation's editorial standards. The Guardian's reporting prompted the BBC to act, and the series will not move forward as planned.