Spectator Critic Sparks Outrage Over Misogynistic Column About Cambridge Lecturer

Lloyd Evans, a theatre critic for The Spectator, has come under fire for a misogynistic column in which he admitted to objectifying Cambridge lecturer Lea Ypi and subsequently visiting a Chinese prostitute in Cambridge, negotiating £20 off the price. The article, published in The Spectator, has sparked a heated debate among feminists about Evans' most egregious offense.

In the column, Evans wrote about attending a lecture by Professor Ypi at Darwin College (which he incorrectly called Downing College) at the University of Cambridge. He said he was distracted throughout the talk on Kant and revolutions by Ypi's appearance, describing her as a "beautiful historian" whose "blonde hair spilling over her shoulders absorbed far more of my attention than her political reflections".

Evans claimed he lost control of his "lunatic libido" after seeing Ypi and became desperate to speak to her afterwards. Unable to do so, he instead visited a prostitute for an "already arranged social rendezvous", where he reportedly negotiated £20 off the price before engaging in sexual activity.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the ongoing problem of misogyny and objectification of women, even in academic and intellectual settings. It also raises questions about the editorial judgment and standards of The Spectator in publishing such crude and offensive content.

The article drew immediate condemnation from academics, commentators, and the public, with many expressing outrage at its sexist and demeaning tone. Professor Ypi herself criticized the article on Twitter, calling it "horrific" and saying she hoped her memory of the event would not be tainted by Evans' "crude and offensive" comments.

Despite the backlash, Evans remained unapologetic. He defended his article as an attempt to "encompass both poles of life" and dismissed the online condemnation, stating that he had been called a "sex pervert" by a "complete stranger". Evans told the Telegraph, "I don't feel like much of a sex pervert. I find clever and articulate women very attractive. The sexual encounter was much more satisfying and enjoyable than the intellectual lecture."

The college that hosted Ypi's lecture said they were "absolutely appalled" by Evans' article. The Spectator has been contacted for comment regarding the controversy and their decision to publish the piece. The incident has ignited a debate among feminists about whether Evans' visit to the prostitute or his objectification of Professor Ypi constitutes the more egregious offense in this troubling display of misogyny.

Key Takeaways

• Spectator critic Lloyd Evans objectified Cambridge lecturer Lea Ypi in column.
• Evans admitted to visiting a Chinese prostitute in Cambridge, negotiating £20 off.
• Article sparked outrage over misogyny and objectification, even in academic settings.
• Ypi criticized the "crude and offensive" comments, calling the article "horrific".
• Debate on whether Evans' visit to prostitute or objectification was more egregious.