Supporters of the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington in the audience claimed they had seen her being targeted in the warm-up — but the BBC has rejected the accusation that the left-winger had not been treated unfairly
LABOUR's Diane Abbott is alleging BBC Question Time “whipped up” a racist and sexist atmosphere amid claims she was singled out before and during the debate 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.
A spokesman for Abbott told : “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.
“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.”
Momentum, a left-wing faction which propelled Jeremy Corbyn to the helm of the Labour Party, claimed the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington received “far more and abuse and attacks than white, male Tories”.
Responding to the allegations, the BBC responded said: “We are sorry to hear Diane Abbott’s concerns over Thursday 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.”
LABOUR cries racism every time Diane Abbott fouls up on TV. It’s a smokescreen to deflect scrutiny — and voters know it.
Abbott is auditioning for Home Secretary. If she cannot sustain an argument, or waffles evasively as she did on TV’s Question Time last week, it is not “racist” to point it out or interrupt her.
Abbott IS the victim of appalling abuse on social media. But to claim prejudice lies behind journalists exposing her ineptitude is desperate.
It has nothing to do with her skin colour. Just her unsuitability for high office.
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