BBC Denies University Challenge Team’s Octopus Mascot Is Antisemitic Dog Whistle

University Challenge contestants faced online backlash over their choice of mascot. (Screengrab via BBC)

The BBC refuted suggestions Tuesday that an octopus mascot on quiz show University Challenge was a veiled attack against Jewish people after some viewers likened the toy to antisemitic imagery used in Nazi propaganda.

https://twitter.com/greendrive1246/status/1726706215856562671

Further scrutiny followed of contestant Melika Gorgianeh’s outfit, with claims that her jacket mirrored the Palestinian flag’s colours.

Ben Obese-Jecty, a prospective Conservative Party MP, criticised the BBC, labelling the incident “disgraceful” and expressing concern over the normalisation of antisemitism.

https://twitter.com/BenObeseJecty/status/1726859774757920979

BBC dismissed these allegations as coincidental Tuesday, stating that the octopus was chosen by Oxford University students for being a favourite animal, not for its supposed link to antisemitic symbolism.

A spokesperson from the BBC Press Office said: “We are aware of a number of inaccurate claims being made online in relation to last night’s episode of University Challenge and we utterly condemn the abuse that has been posted and shared. For the avoidance of doubt, this episode was filmed in March. The mascot is one of many chosen by the team during the course of the series and is one of their favourite animals.

The statement continued: “The jacket worn by one of the contestants was navy blue, orange, pink and green, bought from a High Street retailer. It has no connection to any flag.”

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