Rishi Sunak wades into Tory trans row with David Tennant saying the ex-Dr Who star is 'the problem' after actor uses LGBT award win to tell equalities minister Kemi Badenoch to 'shut up'
Rishi Sunak waded into a bitter trans rights spat between the Tories and David Tennant today, branding the former Dr Who star 'the problem' after he told the Equalities Minister to 'shut up'.
Mr Tennant suggested at an awards show he wanted a world where Kemi Badenoch 'doesn't exist any more', and that she should 'shut up' due to her gender critical views.
Ms Badenoch hit back at him last night, suggesting he was 'a rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can't see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government'.
However, that triggered a clash with Labour frontbencher Dawn Butler, who tweeted: 'Not all Black women think the same. I agree with David Tennant.'
And today the PM, who is under mounting pressure over a political betting crisis engulfing his government, waded in on X to suggest his comments were sexist.
The Prime Minister said: 'Freedom of speech is the most powerful feature of our democracy.
'If you're calling for women to shut up and wishing they didn't exist, you are the problem.'
Rishi Sunak waded into a bitter trans rights spat between the Tories and David Tennant today, branding the former Dr Who star 'the problem' after he told the Equalities Minister to 'shut up'.
Mr Tennant suggested at an awards show he wanted a world where Kemi Badenoch 'doesn't exist any more', and that she should 'shut up' due to her gender critical views.
Tennant won a prize for being a 'celebrity ally' at the British LGBT Awards on Friday and used his speech to target the equalities minister, who has faced criticism over her approach to trans rights.
The thespian was cheered as he said: 'If I'm honest I'm a little depressed by the fact that acknowledging that everyone has the right to be who they want to be and live their life how they want to live it as long as they're not hurting anyone else should merit any kind of special award or special mention, because it's common sense, isn't it?
'It is human decency. We shouldn't live in a world where that is worth remarking on.
'However, until we wake up and Kemi Badenoch doesn't exist any more - I don't wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up - whilst we do live in this world, I am honoured to receive this.'
Ms Badenoch hit back yesterday and said on X: 'I will not shut up. I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls.
'A rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can't see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government by calling publicly for my existence to end.
'Tennant is one of Labour's celebrity supporters. This is an early example of what life will be like if they win.
'Keir Starmer stood by while Rosie Duffield was hounded. He and his supporters will do the same with the country.
'Do not let the bigots and bullies win.'
