David Tennant rocks non-binary pin at Mean Girls premiere amid feud with Rishi Sunak on trans rights

David Tennant received acclaim for wearing a non-binary pin at the premiere of Mean Girls The Musical, amid a public dispute with government ministers like Rishi Sunak regarding trans rights.

Tennant, known for his role in Doctor Who and his consistent support for the trans community, attended the premiere with his wife, mother-in-law, and daughter on June 26. 

How did David Tennant respond to the criticism from the UK government ministers?

The actor, who, according to fans, seemed “completely unbothered” by the government’s comments, sported pink nail polish at the musical adaptation of the 2004 film. He playfully referenced a beloved line from the movie, quipping, “I aspire to be fetch.” 

What went down between Kemi Badenoch and David Tennant in their conflict about trans rights?

His presence follows criticism from several government members, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, just one day prior, regarding his position on trans rights.

The controversy began when Tennant criticized equalities minister Kemi Badenoch. At the British LGBT Awards on Friday (June 21), where he was honored with a celebrity ally award, Tennant remarked, “I don’t wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up. 

“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?”

Badenoch, known for her opposition to LGBTQ+ rights—allegedly delaying laws against conversion therapy and supporting a ban on gender-neutral toilets—responded by labeling the Good Omens star as a “rich, lefty, white male celebrity”. 

On Twitter/X, she wrote, “I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls,” before going on to accuse Tennant of being “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”. 

What did UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak say about David Tennant’s comments about Kemi Badenoch and trans rights?

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak later intervened in the dispute, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech as “most powerful feature of our democracy”. 

Writing on X, the PM, facing potential eviction from Downing Street if polls are accurate, added, “If you’re calling for women to shut up and wishing they didn’t exist, you are the problem.”

Tennant received widespread support online for his position, with one supporter writing:  “David is being a good dad and ally to his child. Telling someone who denies your child should have fundamental rights to ‘shut up’ is actually very polite.”

Following the controversy, the hashtag #IStandWithDavidTennant started trending on X.