As a prominent right-wing commentator and influencer, Tucker Carlson was on the programme to discuss his strong opposition to US involvement in the war in Iran.  Victoria Derbyshire used this interview to scrutinise Mr Carlson’s reasons for this.  There were statements that Mr Carlson made that would be considered controversial by some of our viewers and it was appropriate for Victoria to robustly challenge these points.  It was important that Victoria also accurately clarified the facts related to the status of Palestine Action.

By his own acknowledgment, Mr Carlson has been called antisemitic by some because of his vocal criticism of the USA joining Israel in the war.  When questioning Mr Carlson on this, Victoria put to him quotes from Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Randy Fine, as examples of prominent public figures who have expressed this view.  

Mr Carlson was given time to respond to this allegation and make clear his position. In doing this he vociferously rejected any suggestion that he was antisemitic, explaining that his stance had nothing to do with the religion or ethnicity of Israelis, but because of the actions of the Israeli government.  Mr Carlson also shared his perspective on what has taken place in Gaza.  

We believe Victoria Derbyshire approached this interview in the fair, duly impartial and thorough manner that our audience would expect.