Overview
- The Executive Complaints Unit upheld 20 viewer complaints about a June broadcast in which Croxall changed “pregnant people” to “women” and reacted on camera.
- The ECU said the expression accompanying the wording change created the strong impression of a personal view on a controversial topic, breaching BBC standards.
- BBC News management told the ECU she was reacting to awkward scripting that drew on a London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine press release; Dr Malcolm Mistry later said “pregnant women” in the segment.
- The viral clip drew both criticism and praise, including from J.K. Rowling, which the ECU cited as reinforcing the perception that a personal view had been conveyed.
- The finding was reported to BBC News management and discussed with Croxall and the editorial team, and it lands as the corporation faces wider scrutiny over trans-related coverage and follows a 2022 impartiality breach involving Croxall.