BBC defends Question Time after hostile studio audience is compared to ‘lynch mob’ over trans debate
metro.co.ukWilloughby compared the audience to a ‘lynch mob’ and said: ‘I can’t imagine any other minority being talked about in that way and everyone just sitting back and letting it take place.’The BBC has now addressed complaints, insisting its panel and audience featured people from ‘across the political spectrum’.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 videoIn a statement on its complaints board, the BBC said: ‘The aim was to have a civilised and polite conversation, while also recognising that this is a highly sensitive issue with concerns being expressed on all sides of the debate. ‘We heard prominent contributions from the Scottish government representative around support for their legislative proposals on gender reform and from India Willoughby – who as we indicated in our introduction is a trans rights campaigner. ‘Fiona Bruce treated all members of the panel fairly and intervened when necessary to keep the discussion on track.
All panellists were given ample time to voice their opinions. We also heard a wide range of viewpoints from the audience during this particular debate.’Willoughby was defended by viewers following the episode with people praising her resilience in the face of a particularly hostile crowd.Question Time airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC iPlayer and 10.35pm on BBC One.Got a story?If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. .
