BBC newsreader breaks silence after refusing teleprompter in trans row

A BBC newsreader has responded after she sparked a trans row by correcting on-air wording. During a news broadcast, Martine Croxall replaced the term "pregnant people" with "women".

During a health segment on the news show, Croxall appeared to pause before amending the script mid-sentence. She said: "London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has released research which says that nearly 600 heat-related deaths are expected in the UK. Malcom Mistry, who was involved in the research, says that the aged, pregnant people... women... and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions."

Now, she has responded after the clip went viral on social media, and attracted comments from many people including Harry Potter author JK Rowling. Posting to her X/Twitter account, Martine shared a still from the clip, as she captioned it: "A huge thank you to everyone who has chosen to follow me today for whatever reason. It's been quite a ride..."

But fans seemed to be worried for the journalist's job as they were concerned she would face disciplinary action from the BBC. One viewer commented: "Good for you. I both laughed and applauded. If any sanction or disciplinary action comes your way from the BBC there will be riots. You are now the people's reporter!"

Another asked: "You are a hero. Is your job safe?" A third feared: "Love Martine. But no. I give her 3 months."

Campaign group Seen in Journalism described it as "good to see accuracy on BBC News," while gender-critical commentator James Esses said: "The BBC is so utterly enthralled to gender ideology that it took a brave newsreader to correct the teleprompter instruction to say 'pregnant people' by instead saying 'women' afterwards. Let's hope she isn't cancelled for her rebellion."

Martine has been a veteran broadcaster for the BBC, having first joined the company more than 30 years ago in 1991. She then began working for the BBC News team in 2001.

Among those voicing their support for the BBC presenter was JK Rowling. She reshared the clip, writing: "I have a new favourite BBC presenter."

The author has been a prominent women's rights campaigner for many years and has often been vocal on what she calls "sex-based rights".

It is understood the term 'pregnant people' was used in the research the BBC was reporting on and not written by the BBC itself.