Jilly Cooper says #MeToo movement has 'diminished' men

'I think, secretly, women, although they want to be in the ascendancy, they are quite attracted by the idea of a dominant male'

(PA)

Jilly Cooper has claimed that men have been “diminished” by the #MeToo movement, adding that women are attracted to a “dominant male”.

The bestselling author, dubbed “the queen of the bonkbuster”, told the Press Association: “I think because men are being so diminished now, everywhere – Me Too, Me Too, Me Too. I think [50 Shades Of Grey character] Christian Grey is whacking away and he’s a dominant male."

She added: “I think, secretly, women, although they want to be in the ascendancy, they are quite attracted by the idea of a dominant male... They obviously like a very tough man.”

Cooper is known for her romance novels, particularly her Ruthshire Chronicles, which include the volumes Rider (1985), Rivals (1988), and Polo (1991).

The books are famous for relying heavily on stories of sexual infidelity, betrayal, melodramatic clashes, and economic anxiety set against a backdrop of elite society, including the showjumping and polo crowd.

More recently, the Rutshire Chronicles have been criticised for dated and problematic portrayals of gender roles and sexual consent.