BBC furiously hits back at Diane Abbott

The BBC has hit back at Diane Abbott's claims that Question Time 'whipped up' a racist and sexist atmosphere amid claims she singled out before and during the show.

The shadow Home Secretary said she was picked on and interrupted more than any other panellist by the show's new presenter Fiona Bruce, who was chairing the show for the second time.

Following the allegations made by Abbott, BBC responded saying: 'We are sorry to hear Diane Abbott’s concerns over Thusday night’s edition of Question Time and we have contacted her team today to reassure them that reports circulating on social media are inaccurate and misleading. 

'Diane is a regular and important contributor to the programme. As we said earlier, we firmly reject claims that any of the panel was treated unfairly either before or during the recording.'   

A spokesman for Abbott said: 'We are appalled by the treatment of Diane Abbott on BBC's Question Time. 

'It was clear that a hostile atmosphere was whipped up, propped up by reports of inappropriate and sexist commentary in the audience warm-up session.

'A public broadcaster like the BBC should be expected to be a model of impartiality and equality.' 

They told the Guardian: 'The BBC cannot claim anything of the sort when analysis of the programme shows that the only black woman on the panel was jeered at and interrupted more times than any other panellist, including by the chair herself.'





MailOnline