BBC defends editing out trans rights slogan on Strictly contestant’s T-shirt
Summary
The BBC edited out the transgender rights slogan "Protect the Dolls" from a T-shirt worn by Strictly Come Dancing contestant Bethany Antonia during rehearsals shown on TV. The BBC said this editing follows their usual rules against showing clear logos or slogans on entertainment programs.Key Facts
- Bethany Antonia wore a T-shirt with the slogan "Protect the Dolls," supporting transgender women's rights.
- The slogan is linked to a UK trans charity called Not A Phase, which receives money from T-shirt sales.
- The BBC removed the slogan from rehearsal footage shown during the show and on its online player, making the T-shirt look plain white.
- Earlier BBC social media clips showed Antonia wearing the T-shirt with the visible slogan.
- The BBC said it edits out clear branding or slogans to follow editorial guidelines, regardless of the message.
- Other public figures like Pedro Pascal, Tilda Swinton, and Troye Sivan have also worn this T-shirt.
- The BBC has blurred political or message-based clothing before, such as a Jeremy Corbyn support shirt in 2017 and a "Trans Rights Are Human Rights" slogan in 2024.
- Bethany Antonia has not publicly responded to the BBC’s editing decision.
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