BBC Finds Today Host Justin Webb Broke Impartiality Rules By Calling Trans Women ‘Males’

Justin Webb, host of the BBC’s Today show, appears on Times Radio. (Screengrab via Times Radio/YouTube)

The BBC upheld a complaint against Today presenter Justin Webb for a statement made regarding transgender women during a debate about gender and chess.

The incident happened during a debate about changes to International Chess Federation (FIDE) guidelines last August that stopped transgender women from participating in women’s competitions until the organisation can carry out “further analysis” on impact.

At the time Webb made the remark: “trans women, in other words males.” This statement drew a listener complaint, alleging a breach of the BBC’s impartiality requirements.

In a ruling published on Thursday, the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) acknowledged Webb’s intention to address the FIDE guidelines but concluded that his phrasing could be interpreted as endorsing one viewpoint in a contentious area.

The ECU said: “Mr Webb’s intention in using the phrase ‘trans women, in other words males’ was to underline the question arising from the FIDE guidelines but noted a press line issued at the time included an acknowledgement that his phrasing did not convey an entirely accurate impression.”

It continued: “In relation to impartiality, however, the ECU considered it could only be understood by listeners as meaning that trans women remain male, without qualification as to gender or biological sex, and that, even if unintentional, it gave the impression of endorsing one viewpoint in a highly controversial area. It therefore upheld this aspect of the complaint.”

The ECU has since discussed this latest finding with Webb and his team.

This is not the first time Webb’s comments on transgender issues have sparked controversy. In February 2022, a similar ruling was partly upheld against him after he alluded to his personal views on accusations of transphobia against a university professor.