University Challenge contestants hit out at "absurd" BBC decision to edit out pride badges

Two contestants from University Challenge have claimed that the BBC digitally edited out badges showing the pride flag, with one of the students calling the broadcaster's alleged move "weird" and "absurd".

Samuel Carlier and Emmeline Hague-Wright have said that they wore pins with the progressive LGBTQ+ and the bisexual flag on them, as well as a rainbow feather, during filming for the quiz show earlier this year, claiming that they were digitally removed when the episode was broadcast last month.

Speaking to the Leicester Gazette, Carlier, an astrophysics student, said: "Living in a liberal democracy and having the state broadcaster tell you 'we're editing how you look' seems very Orwellian."

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"[Censoring] that seemed weird. 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?" he asked, calling the decision "absurd".

"The BBC people said they'd ring me, and I chased them, they just said go to the complaints website and file a complaint there, that's what I did," he continued, before adding that he hadn't received a response from the broadcaster.

Hague-Wright, a history student, claimed that she was told in advance of the airing that the feather pin - which she wore during filming - was due to be removed, with the contestant sharing that she was "confused" by the matter.

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In response to the matter, a spokesperson for the BBC told Digital Spy: "In line with our editorial guidelines, we advise that no badges, flags and emblems or symbols are worn or visible during filming, along with clothing with obvious branding or slogans.

"If such items are not removed for any reason then a decision is made between the programme makers and the BBC regarding any edits to the programme."

University Challenge airs on BBC Two and streams on BBC iPlayer.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.