BBC accused of blurring Ricky Wilson's 'trans rights' top on Michael McIntyre
The BBC has been accused of blurring Ricky Wilson's t-shirt that read "Trans Rights Are Human Rights" while the singer appeared on Michael McIntyre's BBC TV show.
The Kaiser Chiefs frontman, 46, wore the labelled T-shirt during a skit on the comedian's show but the lettering was unable to be read - which was noticed by viewers of the BBC show. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, former BBC newsreader India Willoghby wrote: "Shocking. BBC blurring out “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” on Ricky Wilson’s t-shirt when in full view on #MichaelMcIntyresBigShow #BigShow #MichaelMcIntyre . Institutionally transphobic." Wearing a patterned jacket and a light coloured cardigan, Ricky is seen standing in full view promoting his t-shirt on the Big Show.
But unfortunately for the singer and the former Voice coach, the intended message was unable to be read. The original social media post prompted a flurry of comments by users who also watched the BBC show. Another person said: "Wow ! Really ? I never even noticed. Shame they did though. Especially this month, and the judgement passed on those that murdered a trans school girl a year ago almost to the day. Shocking from the BBC."
A third commented: "I got rid of my TV licence recently as I'm not paying 16 quid a month to an institutionally transphobic organisation." And a fourth added: "Shocking given how they platform anti trans bigots , well done Ricky though , great ally."
Meanwhile a fifth person wrote: "Yeah but they didn't do a very good job to be honest. He's gone up in my expectations." But in a matter of days, this is the second bout of criticism the BBC has come under attack over. It has recently emerged that a letter was sent from Buckingham Palace just days before the iconic interview between the late Princess Diana and Martin Bashir, in 1995.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likenessAccording to reports, a letter was sent to the then director-general John Birt four days before the legendary interview where the late Princess detailed the harsh insights of her marriage to Prince Charles. At the time of the letter, tension between the Palace and the BBC was at its highest and days earlier, Diana reportedly admitted to royal aides that she had in fact granted the interview with Martin Bashir.
The existence of the letter, which is believed to have originated from the Queen's Office, was confirmed in 10,000 pages of redacted documents released by the broadcaster last week. And this followed a lengthy battle between the BBC and investigative journalist Andy Webb.
And so yesterday, (January 3) historians and campaigners put pressure on the BBC to call an end to its "coverup" and release the letter sent from the Palace. The Mail on Sunday revealed that the document was sent to Lord John Birt on November 16 1995 but he had made the decision to not tell the BBC chairman Marmaduke Hussey, about the interview. And this was because he feared he would inform his wife who was at the time the senior lady-in-waiting to the Queen.
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for a comment.