Sir Gareth Southgate has spoken out about "manipulative and toxic influencers" who try to trick young men into thinking women are against them.
The former England manager voiced his concerns on Tuesday after a court heard a killer "turned to" Andrew Tate the day before murdering three people.
Southgate warned that many young men end up "searching for direction" and fill the void with a "new kind of role model who does not have their best interest at heart".
Crossbow and knife killer Kyle Clifford murdered his ex-partner Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah Hunt and their mother Carol Hunt in an act said to have been fuelled by the "violent misogyny promoted" by controversial influencer Tate.
Read also: Who is toxic influencer Andrew Tate?
Southgate emulated famous authors, actors, entrepreneurs and royal family members in delivering the 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture at the University of London. He said some influencers "willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance".
Southgate said: "As real-world communities and mentorship decline, young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.
"They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.
Read also: Is Andrew Tate an incel?
"And this void is filled by a new kind of role model who does not have their best interest at heart. These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain.
"They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and that the world ... including women ... is against them.
"They are as far away as you could possibly get from the role models our young men need in their lives."
Previously, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said the home secretary was "committed to cracking down on people pushing harmful and hateful beliefs, including extreme misogyny".
It marks one of Southgate’s first appearances in the media since leaving his post as the Three Lions’s manager following England’s defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
This is what he has been up to since he left the England job.
What has Gareth Southgate been up to since he left the England job?
Receiving a knighthood
Southgate became Sir Gareth in January when he was honoured for his services to football in the King’s New Year Honours List.
He became the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, joining Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
“Off the field, he brought our fans closer than ever to the team, stood up for what he believed in and inspired players to share his pride in representing England,” said FA chief Debbie Hewitt.
Considering a return to management?
Southgate has not worked in management since but his name is usually in the frame whenever a vacancy appears at a top club.
This was the case in October when Erik ten Hag was sacked as Manchester United manager but the job ultimately went to Ruben Amorim.
Charity ambassador
Southgate is a celebrity ambassador to the King’s Trust and has appeared at events to promote the trust to help disadvantaged young people.
The trust has grown into one of the UK’s leading youth organisations, supporting disadvantaged young people in overcoming challenges, securing employment, or starting businesses.
He also manned phones at the BGC Charity Day, where fans could chat with him.
Starring on stage (well, sort of)
He has not personally gone into acting but Joseph Fiennes and Gwilym Lee have played Southgate on stage in the National Theatre’s play Dear England.
The James Graham-written production shows the manager’s relationship with sports psychologist Pippa Grange and managing pressure and expectations.
Spending time with family
With fewer commitments taking him away, Southgate has spent more time with his wife, Alison, and their two children. The family lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
