BBC faces backlash for using red ribbons in tribute to Covid victims on World AIDS Day

BBC North West has responded to criticism after encouraging viewers to use red ribbons in tribute to Covid-19 victims yesterday – the same day as World AIDS Day.

The red ribbon has been a symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness and World AIDS Day for decades.

BBC North West Tonight aired the segment last night, and it was promptly branded “insensitive” and “inappropriate.”

“I hope BBC people come along with their torches and bin bags removing those wholly inappropriate ribbons,” said one Twitter user. “Is this part of what was meant about straight-washing the BBC?”

I hope BBC people come along with their torches and bin bags removing those wholly inappropriate ribbons.

Is this part of what was meant about straight-washing the BBC?

— dum spiro spero (@adamamyl) December 1, 2020

Said a second: “Shockingly insensitive on #WorldAIDSDay and hypocritical considering the @bbc @BBCNews prohibiting its own staff from wearing red ribbons. An apology is in order.”

Shockingly insensitive on #WorldAIDSDay and hypocritical considering the @bbc @BBCNews prohibiting its own staff from wearing red ribbons. An apology is in order.

— David Bowman (@BOWdjMAN) December 1, 2020

Meanwhile Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust, said: “This is incredibly insensitive & disappointing. Bad enough to appropriate the international symbol of solidarity for people living with HIV but to do so on World AIDS Day beggars belief. At the same time the BBC won’t allow presenters to wear a red ribbon? A huge misstep.”

This is incredibly insensitive & disappointing. Bad enough to appropriate the international symbol of solidarity for people living with HIV but to do so on World AIDS Day beggars belief. At the same time the BBC won’t allow presenters to wear a red ribbon? A huge misstep.

— Deborah Gold (@deborahagold) December 1, 2020

“We understand why some people found it insensitive”

Following pushback, the BBC NW account tweeted: “We have deleted a tweet about our project to pay tribute to COVID victims. Given we have used red ribbons as part of it, we understand why some people found it insensitive on World AIDS Day. We’re sorry.(1/2)

“We have been working closely with those who have lost loved ones to COVID and this initiative is to remember those who have died during the pandemic. (2/2)”

We have been working closely with those who have lost loved ones to COVID and this initiative is to remember those who have died during the pandemic. (2/2)

— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) December 1, 2020

The tweet in question was deleted after a Twitter user asked: “@BBCNWT @tatton_park – was it a great idea to use a red ribbon and announce this on #WorldAIDSDay?”

In response, a rep replied: “Hi, thanks for raising this- we did consider what colour ribbon to use very carefully – most colours are associated with a cause which is why this is tied differently.”

Hi, thanks for raising this- we did consider what colour ribbon to use very carefully- most colours are associated with a cause which is why this is tied differently.

— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) December 1, 2020

BBC North West serves regions including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

It’s certainly a pity the broadcaster doesn’t think like RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Divina de Campo, who tweeted: “Just use their favourite colour ribbon. Then it’s about the individual. That would seem more thoughtful.”

Just use their favourite colour ribbon. Then it’s about the individual. That would seem more thoughtful

— Divina De Campo (@Divinadecampo) December 1, 2020

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