Overview
- Twenty viewer complaints were upheld after the Executive Complaints Unit concluded the broadcast gave the strong impression of a personal opinion.
- In a June segment introducing LSHTM research, Croxall read "pregnant people … women" and made a facial expression the ECU judged could indicate a stance on trans identity.
- BBC News managers told the ECU she was reacting with exasperation to clumsy scripting drawn from a press release, yet the unit still found she fell short of impartiality rules.
- The finding was reported to BBC News management and discussed with Croxall and the editorial team following a viral clip that drew both criticism and praise, including from J.K. Rowling.
- This is Croxall’s second impartiality breach following a 2022 ruling, and the decision lands as the BBC faces wider scrutiny over its coverage of sex and gender issues.