After many people tuned in to the BBC2 quiz, they accused Birmingham’s University Challenge captain of “ignoring” his female colleague.
US student Michael Joel Bartelle, from San Antonio in Texas, was heavily criticised as the show aired for appearing to frequently turn his back on his female teammate, Sajit, preferring to chat answers through with his male co-quizzers McPharlan and Robinson instead.
Bartelle’s dismissive behavior towards Sajit (who is studying medicine) made one viewer so upset that they said, “I haven’t been able look at the screen.”
Bartelle, who’s doing a PHD in Shakespeare Studies, has since defended his actions during the show, posting on Twitter: ‘I do not discriminate’.
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Frustration: Viewers of the BBC2 quiz show criticised Birmingham’s captain, US student Michael Joel Bartelle, for frequently turning his back on his female teammate, Sajit, preferring to chat answers through with his male co-quizzers McPharlan and Robinson

One viewer became so frustrated by Bartelle’s apparent dismissive attitude towards Sajit, they said they ‘haven’t been able to look at the screen’




Bartelle (who is completing a Ph.D. in Shakespeare Studies) has since posted on Twitter, “I do not discriminate” to defend his actions during this show.
Many people were annoyed by the poor performance of the captain. They took to Twitter to vent their frustrations. However, his friends rushed to his defense.
At BarbaraCastle45 claimed that Sajit was frequently ignored by her colleague. Ignoring Sajit is an apathetic act of arrogance. Bartelle should (especially) be ashamed of McParlan or Robinson.
@AnnGregoryRN also agreed and said: “Yes, I’m not able to see the screen. Bartelle was so obvious about it, and arrogantly ignored the female member of the team.” Please advise him.
@SiobhraRush added: ‘I really wish Bartelle would stop ignoring the only girl on his team.’
@AnnGregoryRN wrote this: Does Bartelle know that there is another team member to his left? I’m feeling miffed he keeps ignoring her.’



Bartelle said on Twitter that he denied being denialist: “When I confer, I look to any of my colleagues if they have an answer.”


Defense: Bartelle reacted to the negative remarks on Twitter by saying that he was proud of all his team members for helping him secure a place in the quarterfinals
Birmingham beat the Scottish University 255-to-50, but it was easily won. The Twitter debate, however, overshadowed this episode.
Bartelle took to social media to deny the allegations, saying “Hey everybody. I do not discriminate. If I need help, my team members are always available to assist me. All of them are wonderful quizzers, which I love. Lots of love to all who’ve had warm comments for our team.’

Bartelle’s fans also said that they were all for calling out sexism but it wasn’t the chief.
He added: ‘I’m not really sure what I can say other than that I considered every single answer that was offered by all three of my teammates. They all contributed massively to our win and I’m proud of all of them.’
The defense of the quizzer was also supported by friends. @reaffirmsfaith said: Michael Bartelle is an absolute delight. He has been so supportive of my quizzing. I’m all for pointing out sexism, but this ain’t it chief #UniversityChallenge’
Former contestant on the show, James Devine-Stoneman, agreed, tweeting: ‘Just coming on here to say that Birmingham’s Bartelle is a great guy and the twitter jury need to f*** all the way off.’


He said, “Good lesson on how selecting the best screenshot and the correct narrative can make anybody look terrible.” It’s complete absurdity. When I was there, I was also accused. You shouldn’t judge the people you watch for half an hour.
Academic competition heats up with the quarter-finals being the next stage. Season favourites are also emerging amongst the show’s contestants, with Philosophy student Atyab Rashid, 22, from King’s College London one of the most popular – thanks to his silken voice.
Last week’s appearance saw one viewer describe Rashid’s voice as ‘warm honey’. Another viewer suggested Rashid hailing from Daventry, Northamptonshire has an impressive diction that he “makes Queen sound common”.