Viewers criticise Anne Robinson’s ‘disgusting’ questions after viral Weakest Link clip resurfaces
Robinson is due to takeover as host on Channel 4’s Countdown
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A video of The Weakest Link host Anne Robinson questioning a contestant over receiving benefits and her personal life has gone viral.
Robinson served as host of the popular BBC quiz show from 2000 to 2012.
The resurfaced clip has attracted widespread criticism from viewers calling out Robinson’s “unflinchingly cruel jokes”.
In the clip, which has since been watched nearly 2 million times, the presenter is seen questioning a contestant on the programme named Ann.
Opinion: Anne Robinson’s comments on ‘The Weakest Link’ make her totally unsuitable to host ‘Countdown’
After Ann discloses that she is a full-time single mother to three sons, Robinson asks her: “So how many Asbos [anti-social behaviour orders]?” before adding: “How many of your three boys have got tags on their ankles?”
“Well, none so far,” replies Anne, to which Robinson follows up with a second question: “You doing benefits, are you?”
“I knew, I was waiting for this,” says the contestant. “I’m doing a 24/7 job really”. The host continues her line of questioning, asking: “Are you on benefits?” to which Anne responds that she is.
Another moment in the clip sees Robinson ask: “What happened to the husband? You didn’t go gay, did you?”
Viewers on social media have expressed outrage over Robinson’s questions. “How did that make the edit? What a disgusting line of questioning,” wrote one user.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Another added: “I honestly can’t believe this was allowed to happen. It’s absolutely disgusting.”
“Bad taste doesn’t begin to cover it,” wrote a third person. “It’s vindictive and reinforces stereotypes. As far as I’m concerned it contains ‘hate’ speech. Disgusting.”
Others, however, have defended the presenter, stating that Robinson’s “cruel” persona was a well-known aspect of the show and claiming that contestants were aware of what to expect prior to appearing on the programme.
One person who claimed to have been in the live audience for an episode of The Weakest Link, wrote: “To be fair, Anne Robinson was absolutely lovely to the contestants when not filming and apologised for given them a hard time.
“It seemed to all be part of the ‘nasty’ act and the contestants seemed to know that.”
READ MORE: Anne Robinson announced as new host of Countdown
Another person said: “It was set up to be like that. From outfits she wore etc. It was pantomime stuff really. Need to put that context in.”
“I appreciate that this was scripted,” replied one user. “The lady may have known what questions were about to be asked. However, it pushes a very disturbing narrative that has been fed insidiously to us.”
The clip’s popularity follows shortly after it was announced that Robinson would be replacing Nick Hewer as the new host of Countdown.