Strictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia has spoken for the first time about the controversy the BBC faced for censoring a pro-trans message on a t-shirt she’d worn to one of the show’s rehearsals.
Earlier this month, Bethany was seen during Strictly training wearing a white top emblazoned with the slogan “protect the dolls”, which has become a message of solidarity and support for transgender women.
However, when the footage was aired on the BBC, these words had been blurred out, which the broadcaster later insisted was “standard practice” when it came to “any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question” on an “any entertainment show”.
Despite this, the decision to censor the House Of The Dragon star’s message sparked controversy, which she was asked about during a recent interview with Digital Spy.
“I made a choice to wear that t-shirt without considering the fact that it was linked to a charity, and that it was linked to what some people consider a brand,” she explained.
“The BBC had to do what they had to do when they edited it out, to keep it fair for everybody.”
She then added that she stands “with my trans family in every way”, insisting: “They knew what I was thinking when I wore that t-shirt. And that’s all that matters.”
The now-iconic “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.
It has been seen on a number of high-profile LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies in the past few years, including Troye Sivan, Mariah Carey, Madonna and Pedro Pascal.
Bethany said of the controversy: “The main takeaway for me was I just felt so thrilled to see so much support for the trans community online.
“It started a conversation, and I got to see so many people coming out to support my trans brothers and sisters, and that’s all that matters.”
She added: “I think the show just made the call based on the information that they had, and what they would have done with any t-shirt branding that wasn’t allowed to go out.”
The BBC has since confirmed that more than 200 viewers complained about their decision to blur Bethany’s t-shirt.
Bethany is currently paired with Nancy Xu on Strictly, becoming one of only a handful of same-sex pairings in the long-running dance show’s history.
Strictly Come Dancing continues with its annual Halloween special on Saturday night.
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
