BBC radio presenter John Humphrys criticised for Stephen Hawking question

John Humphrys (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

BBC presenter John Humphrys has come under fire for a ‘crass’ question he asked about Stephen Hawking.

Interviewing Brian Cox about the scientist’s death on Radio 4’s Today programme, the veteran host asked: “I wonder whether it was ever said of him, in your profession, that he was cut a bit of slack because he was so desperately disabled and fought through it?”

Cox replied: “No, absolutely not.”

Many listeners took to twitter to label the question crass and insensitive.

Proving that it’s not only gender equality he can’t get his head around, John Humphrys has just used a Stephen Hawking tribute segment to ask “did the science community cut him a lot of slack because he was so desperately disabled?” #R4Today

— Eve Livingston (@eve_rebecca) March 14, 2018

It was crass .#JohnHumphrys has descended to the level of one of Shakespeare's "Rude Mechanicals".. minus the humour, elegance and wit. #StephenHawking #r4today https://t.co/SDC4ATNf8Z

— Bonnie Greer (@Bonn1eGreer) March 14, 2018

Scottish Greens co-convenor Maggie Chapman tweeted: “The crassness and ignorance of John Humphrys today on @BBCRadio4, asking if the scientific community gave Stephen Hawking some slack because he was disabled.

“Can I ask the @BBC, do you give Humphrys slack because he’s a white, wealthy, middle-aged man?”

How science seems to work in the brilliant mind of John Humphrys:

Black holes don't exist. We just let Stephen Hawking make them up because he couldn't walk.

— David Hooke ? (@dch1973) March 14, 2018

#bbcradio4 John Humphrys should be 'retired'. He's like the embarrassing relative who comes out with ignorant comments.

— POP (@samcro1882) March 14, 2018

It’s the latest incident that’s seen the 74-year-old come under fire.

Earlier this year, a conversation between Humphrys and Jon Sopel containing controversial comments on the gender pay gap at the BBC was leaked.

The pair made light of the disparity in pay between men and women as they talked about the broadcaster’s former China editor Carrie Gracie, who resigned from her post over the issue.

Humphrys has also been accused of sexism on numerous occasions in the past.