University Challenge student gets payout from Tory peer over antisemitism claim

A student who appeared on "University Challenge" received a significant settlement from Baroness Jacqueline Foster, a Conservative peer, after being wrongly accused of antisemitism.

Foster made the baseless accusations against Melika Gorgianeh following her appearance on the quiz show in November, which led to Gorgianeh receiving death threats.

Baroness Foster issued a public apology on a platform formerly known as Twitter, retracted her false statements, and acknowledged the claims were unfounded.

She had incorrectly linked Gorgianeh to antisemitic symbolism due to the colors of her jacket, which were unrelated to the Palestinian flag, and a soft toy octopus mascot, a symbol once used in Nazi propaganda.

Despite Gorgianeh's attire being unrelated to the symbols Foster described and the recording of the show taking place well before a specific conflict, Foster wrongly called for Gorgianeh's expulsion and arrest.

In light of her error, Foster has compensated Gorgianeh for the damage and distress caused. Gorgianeh stated the false allegations had a severe effect on her wellbeing, making her feel unsafe and impacting her mental health.

This follows a similar incident where cabinet minister Michelle Donelan incorrectly accused an academic of supporting Hamas, resulting in a costly apology to the wrongfully accused, paid by the taxpayer.