BBC forced to pull down Dragons' Den episode after furious 'exploitation' claims

BBC forced to pull down Dragons' Den episode after furious 'exploitation' claims

Tory MP Bob Seely blasts BBC bias

GBN
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 25/01/2024

- 20:44

Updated: 25/01/2024

- 22:47

Giselle Boxer's business was reported to the Advertising Standards Authority

The BBC has been forced to pull down a recent episode from its streaming service after a guest showcased so-called "ear seeds".

Giselle Boxer, 31, received a £50,000 investment from Stephen Bartlett for a 12.5 per cent return in her business.


However, Boxer's business was allegedly subsequently reported to the Advertising Standards Agency after doctors and "vulnerable sick people" wrote letters of complaint.

They claimed the product was giving patients "false hope".

Giselle Boxer, 31, received a \u00a350,000 investment from Stephen Bartlett for a 12.5 per cent return

Giselle Boxer, 31, received a £50,000 investment from Stephen Bartlett for a 12.5 per cent return

BBC

Boxer categorically rejected the allegations about her product, describing them as "unproven" claims.

The BBC responded by pulling the episode which aired on January 18.

A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: "We're taking the concerns raised seriously, so we are reviewing the episode and therefore it's currently not available on iPlayer."

The broadcaster was forced to back-peddle on the product, having previously defended Boxer's wellness business.

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BBC director-general Tim Davie received a letter from Action for ME to voice concerns with the episode.

However, Boxer pitched her business Acu Seed and pushed her product which helped her overcome a debilitating disease.

The mum says she was just 26 when she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

Boxer claimed that with the help of diet, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and ear seeds her symptoms were eased.

Boxer was left overwhelmed when Bartlett put forward \u00a350,000 for a 12.5 per cent stake

Boxer was left overwhelmed when Bartlett put forward £50,000 for a 12.5 per cent stake

BBC

Ear seeds are tiny needle-less beads, based on acupuncture principles.

They are applied to the ear in an attempt to stimulate nerve endings.

Boxer claimed her recovery inspired her to set up Acu Seeds with the aim of helping others recover from similar conditions.

She was left overwhelmed when Bartlett put forward £50,000 for a 12.5 per cent stake.

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