The BBC is facing intense public backlash online after the public service broadcaster blurred out a T-shirt featuring a positive message supporting transgender women during a televised segment of Strictly Come Dancing.
The controversy began after a rehearsal video was posted to the network‘s social media on October 9 showing House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia practicing alongside her professional dance partner, Nancy Xu. In the footage, Antonia wore green pants and a white T-shirt displaying the phrase “Protect The Dolls.” Designed by Conner Ives for London Fashion Week in 2025, the popular slogan raises awareness for vulnerable transfeminine people, with shirt sales directly benefiting the U.K. charity Not A Phase. Stars including Pedro Pascal and Troye Sivan have also sported the design. However, when the training footage aired on television to millions of Strictly viewers on October 10, the logo was noticeably blurred out.
Responding to criticism over the apparent censorship, the public service broadcaster released a statement confirming their decision to hide the slogan. “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 network explained.
Despite the network’s explanation, viewers flooded social media comments to criticize the decision. Under a subsequent edit posted to Instagram, one user tags the actress and writes, “Love Bethany’s Protect The Dolls shirt. 🥰🏳️⚧️ I’d love to see what other slogan tees she has in her collection! I wonder which ones the BBC would and wouldn’t deem appropriate 🤔 Want to do an experiment @bethanyantonia? 💕” Another viewer echoed the widespread frustration over the network’s edit, stating, “Great to see Bethany’s support for the trans community very sad that a supportive t shirt was seemingly censored by the bbc.”
Photo courtesy of Facebook
