MHAIRI Black has come out in support of Scottish actor David Tennant amid a row with Kemi Badenoch over LGBT rights.
The former SNP MP has called Tennant not just her favourite Doctor from the BBC hit show Doctor Who, but also her favourite ally.
The Scottish actor had called out Badenoch, who previously claimed it is “harmful” to teach that people can be born into a body which does not match their mind, during an acceptance speech.
He won a prize for being a “celebrity ally” at the British LGBT Awards and used his speech to call for human decency and to let people live their lives in peace from prejudice.
During his speech, Tennant 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 anymore – 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.”
Black (below), who is a vocal champion of LGBT rights and is gay herself, took to social media to show her support for Tennant, who has since faced a backlash for his comments.
In a statement online she wrote: “He’ll always be my favourite Doctor, and he’s fast becoming my favourite ally."
The Scottish actor has faced criticism from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he suggested the Doctor Who star is “the problem”.
Badenoch has also hit back at Tennant’s statement as she said she won’t “shut up” or be “silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls”.
She added: “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.”
He’ll always be my favourite Doctor, and he’s fast becoming my favourite ally 🏳️⚧️❤️🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/pVaUcF5Ze0
— Mhairi Black 🏳️🌈 (@MhairiBlack) June 26, 2024
