British F1 racer Lewis Hamilton is under fire on social media after posting a video mocking his young nephew who received and wore a princess dress for Christmas.
Oh dear Lewis. You’ve just opened a can of worms… pic.twitter.com/fpsiNeOZrd
— Nabeela (@JustNabz) December 25, 2017
On the video, which had an “eyes covered” monkey emoji on it, Lewis said, “I’m so sad right now. Look at my nephew.” He then shows his nephew wearing a purple and pink princess dress.
“Why’re you wearing a princess dress?” Hamilton asks his nephew. “Is this what you got for Christmas?” Hamilton then asks. The boy nods in response.
“Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas?” Hamilton then raises his voice and yells, “Boys don’t wear princess dresses!” His nephew then covers his ears and runs away.
People on social media excoriated the star not only for his backwards view of gender roles, but for forcing them onto his young nephew.
I hope @LewisHamilton properly thinks and apologises to his nephew for that video. Thinks about why it is so horrible, and considers donating to a charity which supports LGBT youth. That video is a video so many of us have experienced. Gross. It sticks with you
— Travis (@travisalabanza) December 26, 2017
So disappointing to see such an influential sportsman like @LewisHamilton saying a boy can’t wear a princess dress! No Childs freedom to express their femininity or masculinity should be restricted. Joke or no joke. You’re a role model to so many kids☝🏼
— Talulah-Eve☄️ (@TalulahEve) December 26, 2017
The attitude of @LewisHamilton towards his nephew for wearing a “princess dress” is a clear indication of why many LGBT athletes don’t feel comfortable coming out.
— Simon Dunn (@TheSimonDunn) December 26, 2017
Dear @LewisHamilton:
1) Why would you want to mock your clearly delighted nephew on Christmas?
2) Why would you want to make that public?
3) Boys can wear princess dresses, or skirts, or anything they want https://t.co/lY1D9MGGFk— Emma Kelly (@TooManyEmmas) December 26, 2017
If I’d look as happy as his little nephew did then I’d love a princess dress right now actually… 10 of them!!👗👸🏽 #LewisHamilton #prick
— Raphael (@RaphaelPace) December 26, 2017
lewis hamilton shouts at a little boy for wearing a princess dress. toxic masculinity strikes again ffs. shame he wasn’t doing something “manly” like avoiding tax, eh lewis? https://t.co/hqXkIBSAWt
— Ryan John Butcher (@ryanjohnbutcher) December 26, 2017
How sad that an extraordinary sportsman like Lewis Hamilton feels the need to police his toddler nephew for wearing a princess dress – and make his attempt at shaming the child public.
— Katherine O’Donnell (@kathy__odonnell) December 26, 2017
the punishment for clinging to your toxic gender roles is always the same:
not having beautiful free vibrant lgbtq people in your life.goodbye💛
— jeffrey marsh (@thejeffreymarsh) December 26, 2017
Some people on Twitter took this as an opportunity to remind the racing star that he too makes some *interesting* fashion choices.
On behalf of your gorgeous nephew in his dress @LewisHamilton – always good to be an individual right??? pic.twitter.com/YZSuZ9dFJH
— Jo (@JS_thatsme) December 25, 2017
Hamilton has yet to address the matter on social media, though he could be steering clear of going online right now.
Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...
We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?
Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated
Read More in Culture
The Latest on INTO
Subscribe to get a twice-weekly dose of queer news, updates, and insights from the INTO team.
in Your Inbox
