Jeremy Paxman says he is 'baffled' by sexism allegations that made University Challenge team boycott show

Jeremy Paxman has responded to allegations he made “sexist” and “misogynist” comments on the set of University Challenge, saying he is "baffled" by the students' claims.

Reading University’s student union voted to boycott the BBC programme after students taking part said they heard the presenter making inappropriate remarks on set.

The university said that while it respected the union’s decision to step down from the competition, the show was a “national institution” and a replacement team would be entered.

Speaking out about the boycott, Mr Paxman said he believed the offended students were citing an historic conversation had over a Jeremy Paxman mascot doll.

He said: “I have racked my brains to discover what on earth the Reading Students Union is on about.

“I think they’re referring to a recording of University Challenge which took place in February 2015, though I am baffled at why it has become an issue a year and a half later.”

“There was a technical fault which meant we had to interrupt the recording, leaving all of us sitting at our desks in the studio while the problem was sorted out in the control gallery.

“In the conversation to fill the void – in a brightly lit studio, in front of all eight contestants, a full studio crew and an audience of several hundred spectators - I asked the Reading team about the mascot sitting on their desk.

“One of them said it was a hand-knitted ‘Jeremy Paxman doll’.

“Across the several yards separating the chairman’s desk from the teams, I asked the whole team whether they took it to bed with them.

“Though no complaint was made at the time, this, apparently, is what has upset them."

Members of Reading University Student Union, who have organised University Challenge entrees until now, voted 120 to 105 in favour of adopting a boycott of the television programme.

The Student union would not provide more details on the comments citing a confidentiality agreement.

In a blog post, however, Niall Hamilton, the union's education officer, said the students had voted to boycott due to “misogynistic and sexist comments made to previous members of the University of Reading team by Jeremy Paxman.”

This is not the first time he has been accused of sexism, however; when asking a starter question on the AFC Asian Cup during a programme aired in 2015, Mr Paxman was called out for appearing surprised at a female contestant’s football knowledge.

A number of female students have also said they had been put off entering the competition for fear of online abuse.

A University Challenge spokesperson said: “Last year producers spoke with a Reading University contestant about a comment made during a conversation with the whole team which would appear to have been misinterpreted.

“The Student Union's recent comments are surprising, we are, however, pleased that Reading University continue to apply for the show.”