Viral Julia Hartley-Brewer Interview Sparks 15,000 Ofcom Complaints
Media watchdog Ofcom reported Wednesday that it received 15,536 complaints about TalkTV host Julia Hartley-Brewer after her viral interview with Palestinian guest Dr. Mustafa Barghouti that saw her branded a “racist” and “sexist” by viewers.
Ofcom will now assess whether to investigate the incident before moving to dismiss or open an enquiry.
During the heated discussion on her show on Friday, Hartley-Brewer frustratedly shouted down her Barghouti and insinuated that the overlapping conversation was because he was “not used to women talking.”
The debate, initially focused on the assassination of Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri, quickly escalated as Dr. Barghouti criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shifting the discussion towards Netanyahu’s political history.
This outburst triggered an avalanche of backlash, with social media users and viewers condemning Hartley-Brewer’s approach. Comments ranged from calling her “disrespectful” to admiring Barghouti’s patience. Afterward, Barghouti blasted the host’s line as “unprofessional.”
The interview resulted in some would-be guests boycotting the show and petitions for Hartley-Brewer’s resignation. Now, the shock jock faces a possible Ofcom investigation.
