The BBC has responded to controversy over reports that it censored a pro-trans message displayed on a t-shirt worn by Strictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia during a rehearsal.
On Saturday night, Bethany performed her third routine with professional partner Nancy Xu, once again sailing through to the next stage of the contest.
Before the performance, the House Of The Dragon actor was seen in a pre-recorded video wearing what appeared to be a plain white t-shirt in rehearsals with Nancy.
However, viewers pointed out that in previously-shared behind-the-scenes footage, Bethany had been wearing a “protect the dolls” t-shirt, in a display of solidarity with trans women.
This led to a conversation about whether the BBC had been censoring Bethany’s message by blurring the slogan on her top, eventually prompting a response from the broadcaster.
A BBC rep told Radio Times: “As is standard practice on any entertainment show on the BBC and in line with our editorial guidelines, appropriate steps are taken to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question.”
The original “protect the dolls” t-shirt was designed by Connor Ives, with proceeds from its sales going towards Trans Lifeline, a North American suicide-prevention charity which provides services to transgender people.
Bethany has said that being in one of Strictly’s same-sex pairings was important to her when she agreed to take part in the show, telling the BBC: “When I watched Nicola [Adams] and Katya [Jones] do it for the first time and be the first same-sex pairing [in 2020], I wasn’t out to everyone in my life.
“Watching them do the show… made it so much easier for me to have that conversation with people in my life.”
BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative
“If I get to be a part of that story for one other person, one other girl… I’ve done my job,” she enthused.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night for its annual Icons Week special at 6.15pm on BBC One.
Help and support:
- The Gender Trust supports anyone affected by gender identity | 01527 894 838
- Mermaids offers information, support, friendship and shared experiences for young people with gender identity issues | 0208 1234819
- LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT people in Scotland. Text 07786 202 370
- Gires provides information for trans people, their families and professionals who care for them | 01372 801554
- Depend provides support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK
