A BBC Newsnight segment has sparked backlash after host Victoria Derbyshire interviewed an asylum seeker about the demonstrations taking place outside his temporary accommodation. The programme featured a conversation with a gentlemen, who was simply known as Ibrahim, as they discussed how the protests outside his hotel ere impacting his family's sense of security.
During the show, the 56-year-old broadcaster enquired about the emotional toll this has had on Ibrahim's spouse, prompting him to share his concerns about her safety. The asylum seeker expressed that his wife had become reluctant to venture outside for walks due to fears for her safety by passionate demonstrators. He told the programme that whilst the protests against refugees made his family feel unwelcome, the counter-demonstrations supporting asylum seekers brought them comfort.
The segment has since generated significant backlash from viewers online, with many questioning the editorial choices behind the controversial interview.
Taking to X - formerly known for Twitter - on user slammed BBC bosses decision airing the interview, suggesting they had deliberately sought out a female asylum seeker who felt threatened whilst ignoring the concerns of local residents living near asylum accommodation.
One commenter labelled the segment as "propaganda" and urged the broadcaster to "try harder comrad" Whilst others suggested defunding the broadcaster. They fumed: "@BBCNewsnight @vicderbyshire Scraping the barrell...
"That must have taken a huge amount of effort to find an 'illegal' woman who feels 'unsafe' but no mention of why & of how so many women and girls & many parents with young children forced to live next to these hostels must feel. You really do take us a fools!"
A third chimed in with: "Read the room BBC!!" as another agreed: "I didn't even think it was possible for BBC to be even more subversive." A fifth chimed in with: "You've got to be kidding. Defund the BBC" while someone else asked: "When are you going to interview the children of protesters, and how they feel in walking to school or walking anywhere in their town?"
Ibrahim shared with Newsnight viewers that the demonstrations outside his accommodation had left him feeling deeply saddened by the situation. He told Derbyshire: "It feels really sad actually, because all of the asylum seekers are also normal human beings."
When asked specifically about his wife's emotional state, the guest revealed the true extent of her distress: "She is feeling in danger, actually. She now barely walks out to have a walk or something."
He explained that the hostile voices from protesters made his wife feel unwelcome in the area where they were housed. However, Ibrahim noted a dramatic contrast when supportive demonstations took place. He added: "On the other side, whenever there is a refugee welcome protest, we feel so much happier."
