Strictly Slogan Removal 'in Line with Guidelines'
The broadcaster said it was following editorial guidelines after viewers spotted the slogan removed from rehearsal footage and social posts.
- On Saturday, October 10, the BBC edited the "Protect the Dolls" slogan off actress Bethany Antonia's T-shirt during Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal footage, making the garment appear plain white during broadcast.
- Designed by London-based creator Conner Ives in 2025, the slogan supports transgender women, known as "dolls," with all £75 proceeds from the T-shirt donated to UK charity Not A Phase.
- Social media users slammed the broadcaster for censorship, calling the move "disgusting" and "disappointing," while TV writer Hamish Steele accused the BBC of being "institutionally transphobic."
- A BBC spokesperson defended the edit, stating "appropriate steps are taken to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding" in line with the broadcaster's editorial guidelines.
- Partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu, Antonia recently discussed her same-sex pairing, noting that watching previous couples on the show was a "huge part" of her life.
20 Articles
20 Articles
BBC hits back after removal of Strictly contestant's pro-trans T-shirt slogan sparks censorship row
The BBC has hit back after finding itself at the centre of a censorship controversy involving a pro-trans slogan on one of its stars' T-shirts.The garment was worn by Strictly Come Dancing contestant Bethany Antonia in rehearsals, with clips being broadcast during Saturday evening's live programme.The House of the Dragon actress, paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, wore a white top bearing the phrase "Protect the Dolls" during rehearsals f…
BBC stands firm as 'Protect The Dolls' T-shirt edited out
Viewers spotted the trans solidarity message vanish from Bethany Antonia’s rehearsal footage on the live show and iPlayer, prompting a BBC statement. The post BBC responds as Strictly’s Bethany Antonia’s ‘Protect The Dolls’ shirt edited out appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.
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