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  "path": "/celebrity/graham-linehan-bbc-drag-queen-backlash",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-13T12:00:42.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "BBC Strictly bosses 'meet with US dancers' for show revamp following string of sackings",
    "ITV forced to address The Chase claims as Bradley Walsh tipped for BBC Strictly gig",
    "Alex Armstrong erupts over Keir Starmer's Spanish holiday amid Middle East ceasefire: 'Utter joke!'",
    "https://t.co/RdqnYRP43g",
    "April 13, 2026",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter",
    "@Glinner"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nGraham Linehan has criticised the BBC over what he described as its “obsession with drag”, after the broadcaster published a feature on a drag performer preparing to run the London Marathon.\n\nThe Irish writer and commentator made the remarks on X, where he was responding to a BBC News article profiling drag queen Kitty Scott-Claus, who plans to take part in this year’s race in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n“The BBC’s obsession with drag is utterly bonkers,” Mr Linehan penned.\n\nThe original BBC piece highlighted the performer's intention to complete the 26.2-mile route in full costume and wig, while raising funds in memory of their grandmother, who died from an Alzheimer ’s-related illness.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe 34-year-old, who rose to prominence on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, said they hoped their participation would “bring joy” to spectators while also supporting a cause close to their heart.\n\nMr Linehan quickly sparked a wider debate, with critics questioning the BBC’s editorial priorities and the amount of focus given to drag-related stories.\n\nSome social media users echoed his concerns, arguing that such coverage risks alienating sections of the audience.\n\n“How about the women who find a parody an insult?” one commenter wrote, while another claimed: “With every one of these pieces celebrating drag… You alienate more readers and viewers.”\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nOthers raised concerns about the appropriateness of drag in mainstream media.\n\n“A sexualised drag act is adult entertainment. It’s not appropriate,” one post read.\n\nAnother viewer penned: \"BBC is extremely sinister.\"\n\n\"Another non-story rage-bait article from the totally unbiased BBC,\" a third added.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * BBC Strictly bosses 'meet with US dancers' for show revamp following string of sackings\n  * ITV forced to address The Chase claims as Bradley Walsh tipped for BBC Strictly gig\n  * Alex Armstrong erupts over Keir Starmer's Spanish holiday amid Middle East ceasefire: 'Utter joke!'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n> The BBC's obsession with drag is utterly bonkers. https://t.co/RdqnYRP43g\n>\n> — Graham Linehan (@Glinner) April 13, 2026\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSupporters of drag and LGBTQ+ representation, however, are in support of the BBC coverage of Kitty.\n\n\"Representation matters, however I fear it will be picked up and vilified,\" one person posted.\n\nAnother said: \"I'm glad she is getting some positive coverage!\"\n\nThe BBC feature also noted that the performer had previously completed the London Marathon, raising funds for multiple charities including Pancreatic Cancer UK and LGBTQ+ support services.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMr Linehan has repeatedly criticised the presence of drag in mainstream media and public life, often describing it as “men in dresses” encroaching on female spaces.\n\nHe has argued media coverage is “swamped” with drag performers while women struggle for representation, and has strongly opposed events like drag queen story hours, calling them inappropriate for children.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe writer has also targeted public figures and brands, mocking performances and condemning campaigns featuring trans women under his “women aren’t a costume” stance.\n\nThe comedian has further taken part in gender-critical protests, where he has confronted individuals he believes are entering female-only spaces.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Graham Linehan hits out at BBC's ‘bonkers obsession with drag’ as backlash erupts"
}