University Challenge Students Say Pride Badges Were Edited Out

Two students who appeared on University Challenge have accused the BBC of an "Orwellian" decision to edit out their Pride badges. Samuel Carlier, who studies astrophysics, and Emmeline Hague-Wright, a history student, both from the University of Leicester, filmed their episode earlier this year.

The episode was first due to air on BBC Two on 24 August. The contestants say the date was pushed back twice before it was broadcast on 7 September. When they watched it, they noticed their LGBTQ+ symbols had gone.

Carlier wore a rainbow flag on his black jacket during filming. He says it "melted into itself" at odd moments, which could be the result of post-production editing. Hague-Wright wore a rainbow feather, and she says she was told it would be removed.

"Where is that line in the sand?"

The students told a local news outlet that the move felt "weird" and "absurd". "If I had worn a rainbow shirt, would they have censored that? If the idea is to keep things impartial, where is that line in the sand?" Carlier said. He added that having the state broadcaster say "We're editing how you look" seemed very Orwellian.

He contacted the BBC after watching the episode and was not satisfied with the answer. A promised phone call never came, he says, until he chased it, and he was then told to file a complaint on the complaints website. He did so and says he has had no reply.

Hague-Wright said the production team contacted her. She had become aware of transphobic reactions on social media to an earlier episode and assumed the call was an offer of support. "At first, it was mostly confusion," she said. She was instead told her rainbow feather would be edited out. The programme was then delayed, which she puts down to the time needed for edits between July and September. In her view, the delay came from "a feather and two badges" that viewers could barely see.

The BBC's response

The BBC denied any link between the delay and the editing of the badges. A spokesperson said that, in line with its editorial guidelines, it advises that no badges, flags, emblems or symbols are worn or visible during filming, nor clothing with obvious branding or slogans. If such items are not removed, the programme makers and the BBC decide together on any edits.

An ITV Studios spokesperson said University Challenge is an entertainment quiz show made in accordance with the BBC Editorial Guidelines requirements for impartiality.

Source: Metro