BBC defends editing trans rights slogan from Strictly contestant T-shirt
The BBC defended removing a transgender rights slogan from a contestant's shirt during Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing broadcast.
Editorial guidelines applied to footage
A spokesperson stated that edits follow standard practice for any entertainment show on the network. The broadcaster claims these steps reduce overt branding or slogans regardless of the specific wording involved. This approach was used when showing rehearsal footage featuring Bethany Antonia and her dance partner Nancy Xu.
Shirt design and charity support
The garment was created by designer Conner Ives and displays the phrase Protect the Dolls in black lettering. Sales of this item have raised funds for charities supporting trans women across the United Kingdom. Prominent figures including Pedro Pascal and Tilda Swinton have worn the same design previously.
Social media posts showed original text
Earlier videos posted by the BBC clearly displayed the slogan while Antonia trained with her partner. The final broadcast version presented the shirt as plain white without any visible writing. Viewers on iPlayer saw the edited version consistent with what aired on television.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- The Guardian
- Variety
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.