More than 100 people complained to the BBC, saying that the addition of Yasmin Finney’s trans character Rose in “Doctor Who” was “inappropriate.”
In its monthly statement on audience complaints, the corporation disclosed that it received 144 messages from frustrated viewers. The character of “Heartstopper” star Finney was described as “anti-male” by some, while being criticized by others for the “inappropriate inclusion of a transgender character.”
More than 7.6 million people watched the “Star Beast” special, making up a very small portion of the audience who are complaining. Although complaints about transgender stories or casting are common, the BBC is likely to support Rose’s portrayal in “Doctor Who.”
In the 2023 series, Finney plays the daughter of Shaun and Donna. Although her family supports her transition, writer Russell T Davies portrays her as still adjusting to her pronouns.
Throughout “The Star Beast,” Donna, played by Catherine Tate, tells her mother, “You have a daughter. You might think, ‘Good, I’ve got it; mine.’ When she becomes this incredibly beautiful adult, you wonder, ‘Where the devil did she come from?’ How fortunate am I?”
Davies was clear about his desire to portray more of society on screen during a media conference last quarter. He lamented the press’s tendency to denigrate transgender representation, claiming that “there are newspapers that are filled with poison, death, and violence that would prefer to have such things removed from publication. Good luck to you in your lonely life and shame on you!”
