UK Edition
Anne Robinson says she is in 'despair' over 'fragile' modern women who are 'unable to deal' with sexual harassment in the work place
Anne Robinson has caused widespread outrage after saying women nowadays are "fragile" and unable to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace, compared to her generation which was more "robust".
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that she was "in despair" over the way women have remained silent over sexual harassment.
Ms Robinson drew particular attention to the fact MPs appeared to know about their "sex pest" colleagues, and said nothing until after the Weinstein allegations caused many industries to be scrutinised.
She said: ""It's not always women who aren't in a position of power. If a woman is clever enough to become an MP, and even a former female cabinet minister is speaking about this, why hasn't she spoken out?
"These women are there to protect other people, why has this come to us now, why haven't they been fighting for some sort of recognition of this behaviour?
"In the early days 40 years ago there were very few of us women in power and I have to say, we had a much more robust attitude to men behaving badly.
"The glass ceiling has been shattered but running alongside that is the fragility of the women who are unable to deal with the treachery of the workplace."
The television presenter and former newspaper journalist also questioned why the former secretary to a minister complied with his wishes to buy him sex toys.
She exclaimed: "I'm in despair!"
Ms Robinson detailed how she dealt with sexual harassment in the work place: "In my day we gave them a slap, and told them to grow up!"
Her comments were not well-received by all listeners, some of whom criticised her for her "dreadful" views.
This comes as 36 "sex pest" MPs were reportedly named in a "dirty dossier" by Conservative staff.
It was claimed Conservative party staff have complied a list of 36 current Tory MPs against whom allegations of inappropriate behaviour have been made, including having affairs with junior colleagues, being "handsy" with women and using prostitutes.
Mrs May also asked the Cabinet Office to investigate the conduct of international trade minister Mark Garnier, who admitted calling his secretary “sugar t**s” and sending her to buy sex toys for him.
Another senior Conservative, former cabinet minister Stephen Crabb, has admitted sending “explicit” messages to a 19-year-old woman after he interviewed her for a job.