In a case that’s reigniting debates around free speech, race, and media accountability, former GB News presenter Albie Amankona is taking legal action against the channel that once gave him a platform.
What began as a fiery political comment live on air has turned into a courtroom battle over race, fair treatment, and freedom of expression.
The Controversial Broadcast That Sparked It All
Amankona, a 31-year-old Conservative commentator and activist, was co-hosting The Saturday Five on GB News last July when he called then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman “a racist and a thoroughly bigoted woman.
” The segment caused immediate backlash.
GB News quickly apologised to Braverman, saying the comment crossed the line between debate and unnecessary offence.
Just weeks later, Amankona was pulled off air.
By August, his exit from the channel had been quietly confirmed.
Legal Action Backed by Crowdfunding and High-Profile Support
Now, Amankona is suing GB News for unfair dismissal, racial discrimination, unequal pay, and more.
He’s receiving legal backing from the Good Law Project, a group led by prominent barrister Jolyon Maugham, known for challenging controversial political stances on issues like Brexit and LGBTQ+ rights.
To help fund the case, the Good Law Project launched a crowdfunding appeal that’s already raised over £1,700 toward a £20,000 goal.
“This Isn’t Just About Me,” Says Amankona
In a statement, Amankona expressed frustration that the matter had reached this point, saying he had tried to resolve things privately but was left with no other option.
“I believe in free speech, fairness, and the rule of law,” he said.
“But my experience with GB News tells a different story.”
He claimed the network cancelled him and treated non-white employees differently from their white colleagues.
“They must be held accountable,” he added.
GB News Dismisses Claims as Baseless
In response, GB News has hit back, describing the case as “misconceived and without merit.”
They insist the claims will be strongly defended in the employment tribunal.
Behind the scenes, some GB News insiders say Amankona was already on notice—along with other contributors—two days before the Suella Braverman remarks aired.
The Braverman Comment That Split Opinion
Amankona’s on-air comments about Braverman stemmed from her controversial remarks linking child grooming to British Pakistani men.
He said her words were racist, and he stood by the reaction many in the British Pakistani community had.
“People like that should not be in the Conservative Party,” he added during the broadcast.
His co-presenter Darren Grimes, who has also since left the channel, pushed back live on air, saying: “You cannot sit on this show and call someone a racist.”
Grimes insisted the opinion was Amankona’s alone and steered the conversation away.
A Network Already Under Fire
This lawsuit comes as GB News faces increasing scrutiny.
The channel has been repeatedly investigated by media regulator Ofcom, and just last year was fined £100,000 for breaching impartiality rules during a programme featuring then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The regulator said the show failed to include a fair balance of political perspectives.
Although GB News challenged that ruling in court and won one case earlier this year, its reputation for impartiality remains under the spotlight.
Past Scandals Still Haunt GB News
The Amankona case isn’t the only controversy plaguing GB News.
In 2023, the broadcaster was rocked by outrage over Laurence Fox’s sexist rant targeting journalist Ava Evans.
His crude on-air remarks sparked over 7,000 viewer complaints and led to his suspension and eventual firing.
Ofcom later ruled that Fox’s comments were “misogynistic” and “degrading to women in general.”
Even Fox himself admitted in a follow-up video that his words were wrong and demeaning.
What’s the Bigger Picture Here?
For Amankona, this case is about more than just one TV segment—it’s about what happens behind the scenes at media organisations that publicly champion values like free speech and fairness.
The Good Law Project echoed that view in their fundraising appeal, saying: “GB News talks a lot about free speech, but they need to be reminded they are subject to the same laws as everyone else.”
The tribunal will look at claims including racial harassment, unequal pay, whistleblower mistreatment, and unfair dismissal—all of which GB News denies.
Braverman’s Team Stays Silent—for Now
Suella Braverman’s office has declined to comment on the legal case or Amankona’s original remarks.
But with this tribunal likely to draw significant media attention, that silence might not last for long.