The BBC has been hit with 206 complaints after a "Protect the Dolls" T-shirt worn by contestant Bethany Antonia was blurred out during a live Strictly Come Dancing broadcast earlier this month.
Antonia, 28, appeared in a rehearsal video wearing the slogan-bearing top in support of trans women, but the words vanished on air, leaving a plain white shirt on screen and prompting fan outrage.
Viewers argued the slogan, rooted in the Eighties ballroom scene, should not have been removed. The phrase has been printed on shirts by US designer Conner Ives and spotted on celebrities such as Madonna, Mariah Carey and Pedro Pascal, with proceeds benefiting British trans charity Not A Phase.
A BBC spokesperson explained, "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."
Over the weekend, House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia commented to Digital Spy, saying she wore the shirt without realizing its charity link, that the BBC acted to keep the show fair, and that she stands with her trans family.
The Sun has sought further comment from the BBC about the complaint count.
