The BBC’s Question Time has been plunged into fresh chaos after Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf accused the broadcaster of “planting” small-boat migrants in the audience for its immigration special, sparking a torrent of viewer outrage and demands for reform. The Thursday, December 5, 2025, episode from Dover—billed as a deep dive into the UK’s migrant crisis—descended into what Yusuf called an “absolute set-up job,” with two asylum seekers who arrived via Channel crossings grilling the panel on deportation policies. “Viewers are sick and tired of this bias!” Yusuf fumed on X, her post amassing 150,000 likes in hours. Social media erupted with #BBCBias trending globally, as supporters and critics clashed over whether the selection was deliberate sabotage or legitimate diversity, leaving the corporation facing its latest impartiality storm.

The controversy ignited when host Fiona Bruce introduced the audience members: an Afghan man whose asylum claim was rejected in six European countries before he crossed the Channel, and an Iranian who advocated staying in the ECHR. The Afghan migrant challenged Yusuf directly: “If you’re here illegally, you’ll be deported?” Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy, responded firmly: “Yes, that’s the law.” The crowd booed, while Labour’s Yvette Cooper received applause for blaming Brexit. Minutes later, the Iranian read from his phone a pre-written statement on ECHR benefits, even referencing the Northern Ireland Protocol—prompting Yusuf to quip, “What’s next? Tax evaders on Budget day?” Bruce, attempting to steer the debate, confirmed the migrants were “former asylum seekers” with “direct experience,” but Yusuf later claimed she was informed “just minutes before” airtime.

Yusuf, 39, vented on GB News post-show: “Incredibly, the BBC planted multiple illegal migrants in the audience. One’s asylum was rejected in SIX countries—he came here by small boat. I was ambushed.” Reform deputy Richard Tice piled on: “Another BBC QT plant reminding us why fundamental reform is needed. Viewers are sick and tired of this bias.” Nigel Farage escalated in a press conference, refusing BBC questions and shouting “Bernard Manning!”—referencing the comedian’s racist routines on 1970s BBC shows—to highlight “hypocrisy.” “Your most popular content was riddled with racism, yet you demand apologies from me for banter 50 years ago?” Farage roared.

The backlash is volcanic. #BBCBias hit 500,000 posts, with viewers raging: “Rigged circus—defund the BBC!” (@CityHobo61, 20k retweets). “Question Time’s a joke now—stuffed with activists” (@Normanjam67, 15k likes). Petitions for Fiona Bruce’s sacking surged to 15,000 signatures. Labour dismissed it as “deflection from Farage’s racism,” referencing his alleged 1970s slurs. Even Lib Dems’ Ed Davey called for “fairness.”

The BBC defended: “Audience selection is random and diverse, reflecting Britain. Over 20 members contributed, including two with asylum experience.” But insiders whisper panic: post-episode meetings grilled producers on “imbalance.” This echoes 2025’s scandals—Reform’s underrepresentation (11 panels vs. Lib Dems’ 9 despite 72 MPs), trans coverage probes, and Trump edits. Trust at 45% (Reuters), the Beeb’s impartiality teeters.

Yusuf’s “I won’t be silenced” echoes Farage’s defiance, boosting Reform’s outsider appeal amid 18% polling. As Ofcom reviews 200,000 complaints, the row rages: journalism or ambush? For Question Time, born in 1979 for balanced debate, it’s a breaking point. Enough is enough—or the fury will burn brighter.