IF you needed proof that your words carry weight then the media storm surrounding Nobel scientist Sir Tim Hunt is it.

Sir Tim – who won the Nobel prize in physiology or medicine in 2001 for his work on how cells divide – caused a social media earthquake with his comments about women at a conference where he was speaking.

What he is reported to have said is: "Let me tell you about my trouble with girls. Three things happen when they are in the lab. You fall in love with them, they fall in love with you, and when you criticise them they cry."

In his own words, he has since been 'hung out to dry', accused of being sexist.

He claims the remarks were meant as a joke. But is it provocative, knowing gag worthy of Frankie Boyle or an inappropriate one no better than the offensive material of Bernard Manning?

Your reaction is very much dependent on your perspective and this is Sir Tim's problem. He didn't know the sensibilities of his audience and without that he was automatically running the risk of offending somebody. Now, you might say he is perfectly entitled to say what he likes within reason and you'd be right. That is what free speech is all about.

Sir Tim has said his remarks were ironic and weren't taken in the spirit in which they were intended.

His wife, Professor Mary Collins, one of the country's top immunologists, has defended him saying he isn't sexist, just foolish.

But if you don't have the benefit of knowing Sir Tim and his world view, then how would you know he was joking?

Whatever conclusion you draw, what is absolutely clear is that whenever you make a pronouncement in public these days you better be ready for a swift and possibly strong reaction. And be ready to defend your words. Or apologise.

Or just keep your mouth shut in the first place.

Sir Tim Hunt has certainly paid highly for his comments. He has stepped down from his position at University College London. He has apologised for his remarks and shown remorse. He has also learned a salutary lesson about thinking before opening his mouth.

But it has been a very public demonstration of the importance of free speech. Sir Tim said what he thought – and has every right to do so – but he was met with a very strong reaction from people vehemently exercising their own right to free expression.

In the week that we mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta it's reassuring that despite the many threats to our rights, it is still very much in rude health.