Michael Parkinson says men made to feel 'under threat' around women in wake of #MeToo

Michael Parkinson has spoken about how he feels men are ‘under threat’ when it comes to interacting with women.

The former talk show host has revealed the struggle of coming to terms living with prostate cancer, but during the same conversation he shared his views on sexual harassment and the increased visibility of bringing perpetrators to justice in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Speaking to the Mirror, Parkinson spoke about the way men are treated since the rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.

He was asked about his famous interview with Dame Helen Mirren during the 1970s, where he asked whether he ‘equipment’ ever got in the way of maintaining her working credibility.

The legendary host was also reminded of his flirtatious interviews with stars Shirley MacLaine and Lauren Bacall.

‘Shirley MacLaine is the biggest flirt I came across in my life,’ said Parkinson, 83, who said such interactions were harmless and belonged to a different time.

Talking about a recent photo op with a Mayoress, the star said: ‘I had to say to her, “Do you mind if I put my arm on your shoulder?” She said, “Not at all, why do you ask?”‘

He went on to say how men are seemingly at risk of having their actions misconstrued: ‘You feel yourself, all men do, being under threat for the merest indication they might be flirting with someone.’

Currently, his show, called Our Kind of Music, is at the London Palladium, , focuses on a life-long love of jazz and the Great American ­Songbook. His son, Mike, presents it and also ­interviews him during the show. ‘I imagine he does a rather better job than me. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,’ Parky quipped.

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