BBC deletes article claiming bare nails trend is 'racist and classist' after online backlash

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026 · last updated 1 October 2026.

The BBC has removed an article that claimed the growing trend for natural-looking bare fingernails was linked to white supremacy and described it as 'racist and classist'. The piece featured an interview with a salon owner whose customers are increasingly requesting 'bare-looking' fake nails. The corporation pulled the article after it sparked widespread ridicule online.

Megyn Kelly tore into the BBC over the piece, asking 'nails are racist?' in an on-air attack on the broadcaster's claims.

The BBC published the article without apparent editorial pushback before quietly deleting it following the backlash.