BBC Removes Article Linking Unpainted Nails to White Supremacy After Backlash
The British broadcaster faced criticism for an article exploring the 'bare nails' trend and its alleged connection to racial and class issues.
The BBC has removed an article that suggested the trend of leaving fingernails unpainted could perpetuate “White supremacist” beauty standards, following significant online backlash. The article, titled “How the bare nails trend became a class issue,” examined the growing popularity of clear or “naked” nails over more elaborate designs.
Critics of the article argued that it inappropriately linked a beauty trend to issues of race and class. The piece quoted beauty journalist Kristina Rodulfo, who suggested that the trend promotes “blankness” and “erasure of culture and identity that is so important to [B]lack and [B]rown communities.” Rodulfo also stated that terms like “elegant” or “tasteful” used to describe bare nails can be euphemisms for “[W]hite supremacist standards of beauty.”
The article quickly drew sharp criticism on social media platforms. Helen Joyce, Director of Advocacy for Sex Matters, called the piece “stupid” and “pointless.” Radio host Dana Loesch questioned if a “Hamas reporter” had written the article. American Conservation Coalition CEO Danielle Franz quipped that women opting for bare nails might be inadvertently engaging in “dogwhistling” if they believed they were merely saving money on manicures.
In an archived update, the article was replaced with a statement indicating it had been “removed pending editorial review.” As of Tuesday, that statement was also removed, and the original URL resulted in a 404 error page.
The controversy surrounding the article comes as the BBC faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its journalistic practices. Last month, former President Donald Trump was granted permission to file an amended legal complaint against the BBC. Trump's team alleges the broadcaster produced “maliciously and deceptively” edited footage of his January 6th speech for a 2024 documentary, which they claim was an attempt to interfere with the presidential election. A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team stated that the lawsuit holds the BBC accountable for “peddling of fake news through deception and maliciously defamatory conduct.” The controversy preceded the November 2025 resignations of BBC News CEO Deborah Turness and Director-General Tim Davie.