4 days ago
Paul GlynnCulture reporter
BBC/True North
Warning: This story contains explicit and offensive language
Ashley Cain, the former footballer who hosts a show on BBC Three, has been accused of using explicit sexist and misogynistic language towards women online in a series of historic social media posts.
Comments posted from the account of the reality star, who presents BBC documentary series Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone, frequently referred to women on X using abusive terms and sexualised language.
BBC News has asked Cain – whose X account has now been removed from the platform – for comment. The BBC said: “We are very clear we expect the highest standards of behaviour from everyone who works with or for the BBC.”
The corporation’s spokesman continued: “When allegations are brought to our attention we take them seriously.
“We will consider this information carefully and do not intend to comment further at this stage.”
BBC News understands that the corporation as a whole was unaware that these remarks had been posted on social media and have now asked the independent production companies it works with that engaged Cain to fully review the social media checks that were undertaken at the time.
Cain also reportedly used the terms “sluts” and “psychos” and also made jokes about hitting women.
In 2014, in response to a since-deleted tweet he perceived to be homophobic, he tweeted that one female user should “go and choke on a [expletive] you slut”.
Other offensive comments appeared to have been tweeted while Cain was watching ITV reality show Love Island, and relate to some of the female contestants.
In a previous panel discussion, Cain has said: “I believe in respect and respect is mutual. If you are a lady, I respect you.
“But if you don’t respect yourself, how can you expect me to respect you?”
When challenged in a panel discussion how he would feel if a man treated his sister disrespectfully, Cain said he would “like to think” that his sister “was brought up in a good enough way not to do” what his sexual partners do.
Cain played for Championship side Coventry City FC before moving into reality TV, starring in the series Ex on the Beach.
He later featured on the MTV gameshow The Challenge, competing in extreme physical and mental challenges to avoid being eliminated.
Cain also hosted a podcast called Fierce Minds Kind Hearts, which saw him interview celebrities about how they had been shaped by unpredictable experiences.
His BBC documentary series sees him travel to the world’s most dangerous places, interviewing young men who live on the fringes of society.
A second series was commissioned and filmed earlier this year, but it has not yet been scheduled for broadcast.
BBC executives have previously praised Cain – who has 2.1 million followers on Instagram – for his “exceptional” ability to connect with young men, describing him as “what BBC Three is about”, the Guardian noted.
Cain also reached the semi-final of its Celebrity MasterChef in 2025.
