Channel 4's Genderquake season reached fever pitch this evening (May 8), as its live debate about the issue of gender descended into what some viewers called "a mess".

Genderquake: The Debate, which was chaired by C4 News presenter Cathy Newman, welcomed Caitlyn Jenner, model Munroe Bergdorf and academic Germaine Greer to the panel, as well as a number of writers and activists who identify differently.

Although well-intended, Genderquake's discussion on issues such as gender-related legislation and the gendering of public bathrooms led some viewers to criticise the programme for deliberately offering up inflammatory debate, rather than something plainly educational.

After the debate opened the floor to members of the audience, prompting abusive heckling, viewers vented their frustration with Channel 4 on Twitter. "This show has been far from civilised discussion," one wrote, while another admitted they were "disappointed" with its coverage.

Channel 4

"The #genderquake debate has descended into an absolute horror show," another added, "Channel 4 should've known better than to open this up to a live audience."

Referring to Munroe Bergdorf's requests that an audience member be removed for their transphobic comments, one viewer said they were "appalled" with the handling of the debate.

A Channel 4 spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Channel 4 takes the duty of care to contributors very seriously and will not tolerate abuse of any type.

"This was a live programme on a subject that many people on all sides have strong views about. The audience was carefully selected to ensure a balanced and broad mix of views and briefed in advance to be respectful at all times.

"Shortly before the live debate was drawing to a close a small number of audience members made some comments that members of the panel found offensive. As the show was live they were reprimanded on air by our presenter and reminded that such behaviour was disrespectful and offensive."

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Absolutely appalled that a panelist has asked for a transphobic abusive heckler to be removed and that no action has been taken. Poor management with little respect to the panelists #Genderquake — Megan McCarthy (@megansmccarthy) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. #Genderquake This show has been far from civilised discussion. This debate should not of even happened. Disgusting behaviour and language from anti trans activists in the audience. #genderisnotadebate shame on you channel 4 — Kate Hutchinson (@katieloukhaos) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. well that "debate" went about as well as i expected. constant heckling and transphobia from the audience and horrendously transphobic views going almost unchallenged. not surprised at all, just disappointed. do better channel 4 #genderquake — kaiya (@kaiya_rosalia) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. the #genderquake debate has descended into an absolute horror show - Channel 4 should've known better than to open this up to a live audience. the discussion between panellists would've sufficed & the dialogue could've been far better. — Jordan Daly (@jcrdandaly) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. So sad to see @cathynewman - whom I hold in HUGE regard as an amazing broadcaster - hosting this reductive, stigmatizing, dogwhistling, ridiculous #Genderquake debate. — Steve Taylor (he/him) 🇪🇺🏳️‍🌈 (@danophile) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. #Genderquake what have i just watched!! It certainly wasn't a debate at all!!! What a mess. — kerry scothorne Allen (@KScothorne) May 8, 2018

Related: Channel 4's Genderquake divides viewer opinion with debate over gender spectrum

Not everyone thought the Genderquake debate was counter-productive, though, with some praising Channel 4 for promoting "education and understanding".

One viewer even admitted that the programme had 'opened their eyes' to the issue.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. This #Genderquake is very much a needed program,a program like this that can educate is a win for channel 4 — Sean ferguson (@crazycatgay02) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. The narrative needs to change and this can only happen through informed debate which promotes education and understanding. #Genderquake @channel4 @DrAdrianHarrop — Dr Helen Webberley (@MyWebDoctorUK) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Before watching this debate I would say I was quite one sided on what I chose to think but have always been open to understanding more and this show/debate did just that. More is needed to help educate people like me 👏🏼 #Genderquake — Abigail (@_abe3y) May 8, 2018

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. #Genderquake is an incredible, amazing, interesting, mind opening, educational program. Well done @Channel4 for putting a sometimes touchy subject at the forefront of a tv show. I hope that ppl learn and grow from it!! — Emma (@snelephantx) May 8, 2018

Genderquake: The Debate aired as part of Channel 4's Genderquake season.

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