TV personality Ashley Cain accused of using sexist and misogynistic language

*Warning: This story contains explicit and offensive language

Historic social media posts by Ashley Cain that show the TV personality apparently using explicit sexist and misogynistic language towards women online have been unearthed by a newspaper investigation.

Comments posted on the account of the former footballer, who presents the BBC Three documentary series Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone, frequently referred to women on X using abusive terms and sexualised language.

In tweets first reported by the Guardian, some of which have been seen by BBC News, Cain appeared to call women "slags", "bitches" and other offensive terms.

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 made while Cain was watching ITV reality show Love Island, and relate to some of the female contestants.

In other contexts, Cain has spoken about women more positively - he has praised some women for being good role models and for their talent or advocacy of certain issues, and had high-profile women on his podcast.

He previously said: "I believe in respect and respect is mutual. If you are a lady, I respect you.

However, he added: "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.

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 was 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.