Comments posted from the account of controversial reality star Ashley Cain, who hosts the BBC documentary series Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone, repeatedly used abusive terms and sexualised language, and joked about hitting women.
As a result of these previously unknown comments being recently revealed, the British broadcaster has now pulled the series.
In a statement late on Thursday, the BBC said its vetting requirements had “clearly failed”, The Guardian reports.
“We are very clear we expect the highest standards of behaviour from everyone who works with or for the BBC.
“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.”
In posts first reported by The Guardian, Cain seemed to call women “slags”, “bitches” and other offensive terms.
Cain’s X account has now been removed from the platform.
Ashley Cain series pulled by BBC
The BBC has cited a specific example of Cain’s abusive language: In 2014, in response to a since-deleted post he perceived to be homophobic, he responded that a female user should “go and choke on a [expletive] you slut”.
The BBC also reports that “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?”
Cain played for Championship side Coventry City FC before moving into reality TV, starring in the series Ex on the Beach.
The BBC 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 filmed earlier this year, but it has not yet been scheduled to be screened.
Top image: Ashley Cain. Image: BBC