Over 500 media personalities, including Gary Lineker, Anita Rani, Riz Ahmed, and Miriam Margolyes, have criticised the BBC for removing a documentary about children in Gaza.
The film, Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, was taken off BBC iPlayer after the broadcaster discovered that its 13-year-old narrator is the son of a Hamas official. The BBC stated that this information had not been disclosed by the production company and that further checks were needed before deciding whether to reinstate the programme.
An open letter from Artists for Palestine UK condemned the decision, calling it a "racist" and "dehumanising" move. The letter urged the BBC not to bow to pressure and to ensure the film remains accessible to the public. Supporters argue that the documentary provides an essential look at the realities faced by Palestinian children and that political interference should not dictate editorial decisions.
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The controversy has reached Parliament, where Conservative shadow culture secretary Stuart Andrew questioned whether Hamas had financially benefited from the film. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy assured MPs that BBC director-general Tim Davie had confirmed no funds had reached the group. She also stated that she would monitor the BBC’s internal investigation and update Parliament on its findings.
Filmmakers Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, actor Khalid Abdalla, and musician Nitin Sawhney are among the many public figures who signed the protest letter. They stress the importance of protecting voices from conflict zones and warn that silencing such perspectives could harm public understanding of global crises.
The BBC acknowledged the documentary’s significance but stated that it was conducting further reviews before making a final decision on its availability. A spokesperson reiterated that the film highlights critical stories from Gaza but that concerns about transparency and editorial standards needed to be addressed.
The debate has now sparked broader discussions on media independence, bias, and the role of political influence in journalistic decisions. The BBC’s board is expected to review the matter soon and determine whether the film will return to iPlayer.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.