Archive · 7 Nov 2025
BBC Upholds Complaint Over Presenter Martine Croxall's "Pregnant People" Remark
Imagine the BBC news had a story about health risks for pregnant people.
The news anchor, Martine Croxall, changed the words on her screen from 'pregnant people' to 'women.'
Some viewers complained, saying her face looked like she disagreed with the original words and that this broke the BBC's rules about being fair and neutral.
At first, the BBC said it was fine and not disrespectful.
But later, a special group at the BBC that handles complaints agreed with the viewers.
They said her face and the change showed her personal opinion, which news presenters shouldn't do on tricky topics like transgender issues.
This upset many people, including other news people and celebrities, who thought she was being punished unfairly.
Others felt the BBC was right to make sure its news was neutral and didn't show personal opinions, especially about sensitive subjects.
BBC presenter Martine Croxall changed 'pregnant people' to 'women' on air during a June broadcast.
The BBC's Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) upheld complaints, ruling Croxall breached impartiality rules.
The ECU cited Croxall's facial expression and script change as indicating a personal viewpoint on transgender identity controversies.
The BBC initially rejected complaints, stating the correction was for clarity and not disrespectful.
The ruling has drawn criticism from some who deem it unfair and praise from others who support transgender rights and BBC impartiality.
- Who
- BBC News presenter Martine Croxall and the BBC's Executive Complaints Unit (ECU)
- What
- The ECU upheld a complaint against Croxall for changing the autocue from 'pregnant people' to 'women' and for her facial expression, ruling she breached impartiality rules.
- When
- The incident occurred during a broadcast in June 2025, and the ECU ruling was made on a Thursday thereafter.
- Where
- UK national broadcaster BBC
- Why
- The ECU ruled that Croxall's actions and expression gave the strong impression of expressing a personal view on controversial transgender identity issues, thus falling short of BBC impartiality expectations.
Complainants and those who agree with the ruling
Those who believe the ruling is unfair
Interpretation of Croxall's actions and expression
Complainants and those who agree with the ruling
Croxall's facial expression conveyed disgust, ridicule, contempt, or exasperation, indicating a personal viewpoint on transgender identity controversies, thus violating impartiality rules. Using 'pregnant people' erased trans individuals from a health story.
Those who believe the ruling is unfair
Croxall's script change was for clarity and not meant to be disrespectful. Her facial expression was one of exasperation, and the BBC should not reprimand a presenter for a perceived facial reaction. The ruling implies men are women and criticizes a 'face' over the message.
BBC's editorial standards and impartiality
Complainants and those who agree with the ruling
The BBC's Executive Complaints Unit correctly upheld the complaint, stating that giving the impression of a personal view on a controversial matter falls short of BBC expectations for presenters and journalists regarding impartiality.
Those who believe the ruling is unfair
The BBC initially rejected complaints, deeming the correction accurate and impartial. The later ruling is seen as 'pathetic' and 'utterly ridiculous' by critics, suggesting it's overly sensitive to transgender issues.
Wider implications for the BBC
Complainants and those who agree with the ruling
The ruling aligns with a need to ensure the BBC is not perceived as promoting a particular viewpoint on trans identity, and reinforces impartiality standards.
Those who believe the ruling is unfair
The finding against Croxall fuels the belief that the BBC has been 'captured by trans ideology' and suggests that a presenter should consider legal action against her employer for such a ruling.
- News Presenter Involved
- Martine Croxall
- Date of Initial Incident
- June 2025
- Nature of Incident
- Changed autocue from 'pregnant people' to 'women' during a broadcast
- Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) Decision Date
- Thursday (specific date not provided, but after June 2025)
- Complainants Mentioned
- India Willoughby, anonymous viewers
- Overseer of ECU
- Peter Johnston, BBC Director of Editorial Complaints