Channel 4 viewers 'absolutely appalled' by 'uncomfortable' heckling of Munroe Bergdorf during Genderquake: The Debate

The debate included the model and Caitlyn Jenner
Natasha Sporn9 May 2018

Channel 4 has been criticised for hosting a live debate which left viewers “uncomfortable” over heckled participants.

Genderquake: The Debate followed a two-part documentary looking at “what gender means in 2018”, which followed 11 strangers with different gender identities and sexualities living together for a week.

Panellists involved in the debate, which was chaired by Cathy Newman, included Caitlyn Jenner, Munroe Bergdorf and Germaine Greer.

But while some hailed the programme as important and necessary, many viewers were left furious as the debate spiralled away from its good intentions after a few audience members began to heckle panellists.

Heckled: Munroe Bergdorf asked for an audience remember to be removed
Channel 4

Some accused the show of providing a platform for hate and an “unsafe environment”, especially for those panellists who identified as transgender.

Panellist, Ash Sarkar, directly addressed the audience and the heckling as a member of the audience appeared to shout at Bergdorf intermittently.

She said: “This is so poorly managed, to put some very brave panellists in front of such hostility.

“If we're going to have this discussion, it should be conducted with respect. You should stop yelling penis every five seconds, like you're five years old.”

Bergdorf added: “It's transphobia. This is what people are contesting with, this is what's driving trans kids to self-harm.” She then asked for the offending member to be removed.

But others praised the broadcaster for highlighting the conversation around gender and sexuality.

Viewers – including Celebrity Big Brother winner Courtney Act – criticised the debate for being “uncomfortable” and branded it a “shame” for the broadcaster.

When contacted by Standard Online, Channel 4 said: "Channel 4 takes the duty of care to contributors very seriously and will not tolerate abuse of any type. This was a live programme on a subject that many people on all sides have strong views about.

"The audience was carefully selected to ensure a balanced and broad mix of views and briefed in advance to be respectful at all times. Shortly before the live debate was drawing to a close a small number of audience members made some comments that members of the panel found offensive.

"As the show was live they were reprimanded on air by our presenter and reminded that such behaviour was disrespectful and offensive.”

All three parts of Genderquake are available on All 4.

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