Bethany Antonia defends BBC's edit of her pro-trans T-shirt
Strictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia has publicly supported the trans community after the BBC blurred the 'Protect The Dolls' slogan from her T-shirt during an October broadcast, while defending the broadcaster's editorial decision.
Bethany Antonia's 'Protect The Dolls' T-shirt was edited out during the October 10 episode of Strictly Come Dancing, sparking viewer backlash. The 28-year-old actor, a star of House of the Dragon and the BBC dance contest, wore the shirt during week three rehearsal footage. The BBC blurred the slogan, a move that led to intense criticism from fans online, with some calling the censorship 'outrageous' on social media platform X.
Bethany Antonia has now addressed the incident. She defended the BBC's action while reaffirming her strong support for transgender rights. "The BBC had to do what they had to do when they edited it out, to keep it fair for everybody," she said. She described the widespread online support for the trans community following the edit as the most significant outcome.
BBC's editorial policy
The BBC confirmed it removes overt branding or slogans as standard practice to maintain neutrality. A spokesperson stated the broadcaster takes steps to reduce overt branding or slogans in line with its editorial guidelines, regardless of the specific wording. This policy is not new. In 2024, Ricky Wilson's 'Trans Rights Are Human Rights' T-shirt was blurred on Michael McIntyre's Big Show. In 2017, the BBC also edited out a political slogan on a T-shirt worn by Clean Bandit's Grace Chatto.
Context of the slogan
The phrase 'Protect the Dolls' is a pro-trans slogan. It first appeared on a top from fashion designer Conner Ives. The term traces its roots back to the 1980s Black and Latina underground ballroom scene in New York City. The T-shirt Bethany wore supports trans women's rights, with proceeds donated to the UK trans charity Not A Phase. The slogan has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charitable causes.
Bethany admitted she chose to wear the T-shirt without fully realising its commercial and charitable ties. She stated she wore it to show solidarity with transgender women.
Bethany's response and stance
Bethany Antonia plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon and is paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 35, on Strictly Come Dancing. The couple are in a same-sex partnership on the show. She rejected speculation that the slogan's message specifically influenced the edit, citing the fast-paced nature of the programme and standard branding rules.
She firmly reiterated her personal stance. "I stand with my trans family in every way," she said. Looking to the future of the show, she believes having a trans contestant on Strictly Come Dancing would be empowering. She thinks it is only a matter of years before one appears. The show has progressed in its representation, with its first same-sex pairing featuring Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and pro dancer Katya Jones in 2020.
In the competition, Bethany and Nancy danced an Argentine Tango to 'All The Things She Said' by Harrison, receiving a score of 25 from the judges. Their feedback was mixed.
They faced Dame Sarah Storey, the 48-year-old Paralympian, in a dance-off, with Storey being saved by the judges. Bethany Antonia is now preparing for an American Smooth performance with Nancy Xu to Sara Bareilles’ 'Love Song'.
