The BBC's director-general has insisted Laura Kuenssberg's new political programme did not reveal the broadcaster has an anti-Tory bias.
On Sunday comedian Joe Lycett sarcastically mocked Liz Truss, clapping for her after an interview before claiming to be "very right wing" and supportive of her policies.
Mr Lycett even shouted: "You smashed it Liz" while he applauded her, before telling Ms Kuenssberg haters would deem Ms Truss as "the backwash of available MPs" to run for Prime Minister.
His appearance generated a social media storm with the Daily Mail splashing on its front page 'Now BBC Comic Mocks Liz Truss'.
Tim Davie today told MPs on the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee the "audience saw [his humour] for what it was".
He said: "We can debate the merits of that particular booking - I don't think it displayed BBC bias in the slightest.
"The audience saw it for what it was."
The BBC chief claimed the corporation had only recieved 28 complaints after the Daily Mail's front page, and descried Laura Kuenssberg as an "exemplary" host.
In the same evidence session, Mr Davie admitted he has had conversations with football pundit Gary Linekar about impartiality guidelines and his use of social media.
He suggested Mr Linekar has made a "massive improvement to where he was a few years ago".
Mr Davie and BBC chairman Richard Sharp said former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis was "completely wrong" to suggest that the broadcaster "sought to pacify" No10 by offering a quick apology after her speech about Dominic Cummings.
Mr Davie said he stands by the Newsnight decision, adding: “In terms of Newsnight, the BBC is clear, it stands by the decision it made by the way. I was not director-general at the time, but I think it’s absolutely the right decision, unequivocally”.
