BBC defends editing out trans rights slogan on Strictly contestant’s T-shirt

A contestant on Strictly Come Dancing faced backlash after the BBC edited out a transgender rights slogan from her T-shirt during rehearsals, with the network citing standard practice to remove "overt branding or slogans." The shirt, featuring the phrase "Protect the Dolls," was visible in footage before her live performance but later censored. The decision has sparked debate over free expression and inclusivity in mainstream television programming. The BBC maintains its policy applies uniformly to all contestants.

Bethany Antonia wore a T-shirt with the slogan ‘Protect the Dolls’ in rehearsals, but the words were edited out on Saturday’s showThe BBC has defended its decision to edit out a transgender rights slogan from a T-shirt worn by a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, stating it was standard practice to avoid “overt branding or slogans”.The actor Bethany Antonia was filmed wearing the T-shirt, which bore the slogan “Protect the Dolls”, during rehearsals before her live performance on Saturday night. Continue reading...