A storm of criticism has engulfed The Telegraph newspaper as it faces condemnation for a headline deemed “deplorable” regarding Cheryl Hole, a contestant of both Drag Race UK and MasterChef. The contentious headline, which employed the phrase “knives out,” came just days after a disconcerting incident involving the stabbing of two LGBTQ+ men outside a gay bar in south London. This juxtaposition of events has sparked conversations about insensitivity and media responsibility in the face of LGBTQ+ struggles.
Cheryl Hole, a celebrated drag star based in Essex, encountered a wave of homophobic and anti-drag backlash following her appearance on the BBC cooking show. This backlash, however, stands in stark contrast to the warm reception she had received as part of various drag-related programs since 2019. The headline in question, “Knives out for Masterchef drag queen over TERF remark,” tapped into the contentious acronym “TERF,” linked to ‘trans exclusionary radical feminist.’ Such terminology has been controversially used by figures like JK Rowling, who openly aired divisive sentiments on social media.
This controversy unfolded against the backdrop of a disturbing incident on a Sunday evening in Clapham, London. Two victims were subjected to a knife attack outside The Two Brewers, an LGBTQ+ bar, just days before The Telegraph published its controversial piece. Journalist Ryan Butcher criticized the headline’s insensitivity, underscoring the inappropriateness given the recent homophobic attack.
The article questioned Cheryl Hole’s casting on MasterChef, referencing her prior use of the term “TERF.” The backlash, however, highlights a larger trend of growing anti-drag sentiment in the UK, a sentiment that has manifested in anti-trans protests at places like London’s Honour Oak pub. The incident and subsequent controversies raise vital questions about media’s role in shaping public discourse, particularly in matters concerning LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
While The Telegraph has yet to respond to requests for comment, the incident underscores the need for careful and considerate reporting, especially when LGBTQ+ lives and experiences are at stake.