The BBC is facing fresh accusations of bias after businessman Dale Vince wore a keffiyeh, a traditional scarf associated with Palestine, on Laura Kuenssberg's flagship politics show on Sunday, October 18.
The appearance came just over a week after the broadcaster censored a trans pride slogan on Strictly Come Dancing, prompting viewers and celebrities to question the network's consistency.
Keffiyeh Symbolism and Recent Context
The keffiyeh is a cotton scarf worn across parts of the Middle East and North Africa. It became a symbol for Palestine in recent years after three students of Palestinian descent were shot in Vermont, US, two of whom were wearing the scarf. Some claim patterns on the keffiyeh represent aspects of Palestinian life, such as olive trees, though there is no solid historical evidence for this.
Last week, on October 10, Bethany Antonia's Protect the Dolls slogan T-shirt was edited out of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC defended the decision, saying: "As is standard practice on any entertainment show on the BBC and in line with our editorial guidelines, appropriate steps are taken to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question."
Viewer and Celebrity Reactions
Social media users and public figures have criticised the broadcaster for allowing the keffiyeh to air while the slogan was removed. Boy George wrote on Instagram: "The @bbcnews won't allow a 'Save The Dolls' tee shirt but this is completely fine? F*** off!"
Other viewers expressed anger, with one saying: "Dale Vince in a keffiyeh. Sod off." Another asked: "Is that guy in the middle a Palestinian as he's wearing a keffiyeh? Shouldn't he be in Gaza supporting his people rather than sitting in a BBC studio spouting BS?"
A different social media user wrote: "Dale Vince is wearing a keffiyeh a symbol supporting terrorists in Gaza. @RupertLowe10 would never be allowed on the panel wearing a St George's cross t-shirt, nor would anyone from @RestoreBritain or @reformparty_uk who represent patriots."
Another viewer commented: "Look at that halfwit on #bbclaurak in a keffiyeh. If Scotland was in Gaza's position would all these clowns be going around in kilts?"
Zack Polanski Interview Criticised
Zack Polanski also faced criticism for his stance on Zionism during the programme, after he refused to answer Kuenssberg's question four times in what was described as a difficult interview. Piers Morgan called him "gutless" on X, writing: "Zack Polanski has destroyed the Green Party as a serious political entity. He's such a weird, deluded, nasty and gutless piece of work."
Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.
