Lewis Hamilton Apologizes for ‘Boys Don’t Wear Princess Dresses’ Comment to His Nephew
British race car driver Lewis Hamilton apologized today after sharing a video of himself telling his little nephew that “boys don’t wear princess dresses.”
The 32-year-old posted an Instagram story (which he has since deleted) that started off with him looking into the camera and telling his fans, “I’m so sad right now. Look at my nephew.” From there, we see a young boy who seems thrilled to be in a beautiful, brand-new, pink and purple gown. But as the child smiles with delight, his uncle asks, “Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas?” When the little guy nods with a giggle, Hamilton responds, “Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas? Boys don’t wear princess dresses.”
Oh dear Lewis. You’ve just opened a can of worms… pic.twitter.com/fpsiNeOZrd
— Nabeela (@JustNabz) December 25, 2017
While the boy doesn’t seem to be bothered by his words — and appears just as playful in a second video, where he and his sister chase their uncle and swat him with their toy wands — fans were upset by what they perceived as shaming and intolerance.
Several people took to social media to express their disappointment and anger over the Formula One driver’s statements to his young relative, which prompted him to offer an apology.
“Yesterday I was playing around with my nephew and realized that my words were inappropriate so I removed the post. I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should,” he wrote.
Yesterday I was playing around with my nephew and realised that my words were inappropriate so I removed the post. I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 26, 2017
“My deepest apologies for my behavior as I realize it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalize or stereotype anyone,” he continued. “I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgment.”
My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 26, 2017
I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 26, 2017
What do you think about Lewis Hamilton’s apology? Let us know @BritandCo.
(photo via Lars Baron/Getty Images)