‘UNBELIEVABLE!’: BBC sparks huge uproar after ‘sickening’ on air Ann Widdecombe death remark
The Big Brother contestant appeared on BBC’s Politics Live.
BBC sparks uproar after guest’s ‘sickening’ Ann Widdecombe remark days after her death (Image: PA)
BBC presenter Vicki Young was joined on Politics Live by show guests including Labour MP Jess Asato, Conservative’s Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston and environmental activist Daze Aghaji as they discussed the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of the politician after “new information and evidence” came to light, officers have said. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the suspect was not known to the government’s Prevent anti-terror scheme.
The 78-year-old former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday (July 8), having sustained serious injuries. Correspondent Dan Johnson reported live outside her home where he said the community were “deeply shocked and saddened” by Ann’s death.
Speaking on Monday’s edition of Politics Live, both Labour and Conservative MPs paid a touching on-air tribute to the deceased politician.
Police outside of Ann Widdecombe’s residence (Image: PA)
Environmental activist, Daze, described Ann’s death and alleged murder as “awful”, adding it was a “sad way to go out”.
The former Big Brother contestant continued: “I think there is a lot of controversy over how she lived her political life. I’m a real believer that the values that we hold are the politics that we practise. I think it would go amiss to not mention that she pushed against the LGBTQ rights throughout her career.”
Daze claimed Ann had been dismissive of the MeToo movement and added she was “vehemently anti-abortion”.
She concluded: “Even though what’s happened is absolutely awful, there are a lot of people who won’t be grieving this.”
(L-R) Labour MP Jess Asato, Conservative’s Nigel Huddleston and Daze Aghaji (Image: BBC)
Nigel hit back: “I’m a bit shocked to hear that and I think it’s totally inappropriate. I think you will regret what you just said there.”
He later claimed he was “uncomfortable” sitting beside Daze following her remarks.
The moment sparked uproar as viewers shared their fury on social media.
One wrote: “Outrageous to show this on the BBC in the aftermath of Ann’s death. Truly sickening. Zero class.”
Daze Aghaji, ex Big Brother Housemate, was invited on Politics Live today.
When asked to reflect on the life of Ann Widdecombe, Daze was told she is being disrespectful for being honest in her views on Ann’s legacy.
A second echoed: “#Politics live. How disrespectful.” A third wrote: “There’s a time and a place to be saying this.”
While a fourth penned: “Imagine going on a politics show and being berated for actually talking about [Ann’s] politics.”
Her death sparked a manhunt resulting in the suspect’s arrest at about 21:00 on Saturday.
On Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police had said there was “nothing to suggest” the murder was politically motivated.
