Watch the moment Steven Bartlett is left squirming on Dragon’s Den during pitch after sharing ‘harmful information’
THIS is the awkward moment when Steven Bartlett was left squirming on Dragon’s Den.
The BBC star looked extremely uncomfortable during a health related pitch after it was claimed he shared ‘harmful information’.
On Dragons’ Den, cousins Issa from Lancashire and Ash from Preston sought investment for their range of dissolvable vitamins.
After giving their speech, longtime star Deborah Meaden, 65, wanted more information on the product.
She pressed the pair on whether clinical studies had been undertaken to prove the efficacy of their claims.
The duo admitted that they are working with the University Of Westminster as tests are ongoing.
“Okay, so you are actually going through Clinical studies. Because that’s going to make the world of difference to you to be able to actually make claims on your packaging,” the potential investor claimed.
“Coming from a background in regulated industries and healthcare, we’re very aware of not making claims that are not backed by real science.”
The camera then awkwardly cut to a close-up shot of Steven, 32, who was left squirming in his chair following the remark.
“So we are really aware of that,” he added as the star’s eyes seemed to shift in a seemingly uncomfortable manner.
This comes after an investigation by the BBC found that the Diary of a CEO host was “amplifying harmful health misinformation” on his podcast.
According to the corporation, which analysed 15 health-related instalments of the hit podcast, 14 harmful health claims were made by guests that went against scientific evidence.
Recent claims included that cancer could be treated by following a keto diet rather than proven methods, with little or no challenge.
Experts have warned the publicly funded organisation of the potential dangers, claiming it could cause distrust in conventional medicine.
Dr David Grimes from Trinity College Dublin said: “That’s a very different and not empowering thing. It actually imperils all our health.”
In response, Steven’s podcast production company, Flight Studio, explained that guests were offered “freedom of expression” and were “thoroughly researched”.
Dragons' Den stars - past and present
Dragons' Den has been on our screens since 2005 and sees entrepreneurs enter the Den to try and win investment for their businesses from the Dragons.
Over the years there have been many wealthy investors sitting in the famous seats, here’s a rundown of them all and how long they were on the show for.
- Peter Jones – series 1 – present
- Deborah Meaden – series 3 – present
- Touker Suleyman – series 13 – present
- Sara Davies – series 17 – present
- Steven Bartlett – series 19 – present
- Duncan Bannatyne – series 1 – 12
- Rachel Elnaugh – series 1 and 2
- Doug Richard – series 1 and 2
- Simon Woodroffe – series 1
- Theo Paphitis – series 2 -10
- Richard Farleigh – series 3 and 4
- James Caan – series 5-8
- Hilary Devey – series 9 and 10
- Kelly Hoppen – series 11 and 12
- Piers Linney – series 11 and 12
- Nick Jenkins – series 13 and 14
- Sarah Willingham – series 13 and 14
- Jenny Campbell – series 15 and 16
- Tej Lalvani – series 15 – 18
- Emma Grede and Gary Neville were guest Dragons during series 21.
A spokesperson commented: “The Diary of a CEO [DOAC] is an open-minded, long-form conversation… with individuals identified for their distinguished and eminent career and/or consequential life experience.”
It also said that a range of voices have been heard on the podcast, not just those that Steven or his team behind the podcast agree with.
UK podcasts are also not regulated by the established media watchdog Ofcom which has rules in place on accuracy and impartiality.
Meaning the TV personality has not broken any broadcasting rules with his content.
Dragon’s Den continues on BBC One and is available to watch back on iPlayer.