My Week as a Muslim documentary sparks racism row

My Week as a Muslim documentary sparks racism row

FWS - Viewers were left outraged last night after a British woman posing as a Muslim was subjected to vile abuse as she walked past her local pub.

Katie Freeman was targeted by drinkers while disguised in a hijab as she took part in an explosive new documentary on Channel 4 called My Week as a Muslim.

The 42-year-old was taunted in her hometown of Manchester by punters, including one who asked if she planned to 'blow them up', in the same week that a terror attack rocked the city.

However Katie, a former 'ban the burka' campaigner, also came in for criticism for claiming early on in the programme that Muslims did not 'dress British'.

As part of the documentary, Katie spent seven days living with with Saima Alvi, 49, and her family.

Katie said she felt 'sickened' by the taunts outside the pub and viewers agreed those responsible should be 'ashamed'.

But others claimed it was Katie who should feel embarrassed, after she initially struggled to accept Saima's way of life.

One scene saw Katie explain that she did not think her Manchester-born host 'dressed British', prompting viewers to brand her 'ignorant'.

Just 10 minutes into the hour-long programme, one viewer posted: 'This woman is so awful I can barely watch it.'

Cameras followed Katie as she grappled to integrate with the community - including during a stint as a chaperone on a 'date' between two young Muslims looking to marry.

By the end of the documentary she had become friends with her Muslim hosts, and was left convinced that white and Muslim Brits need to put on a 'united front' in the face of adversity and terrorism.(dailymail)