Lewis Hamilton Apologises For ‘Disgraceful’ Shaming Of His Young Nephew

PA

Lewis Hamilton has apologised for mocking his young nephew’s princess dress on a video posted to his Instagram.

The Formula One driver caused outrage when he posted a video clip to his story feature on Christmas Day, showing him shaming his nephew for wearing a dress.

In the now deleted footage, Hamilton could be seen criticising his young relative, (who’s clearly happy), playing with his toy magic wand while wearing a pink and purple dress.

In the video he says:

I’m so sad right now. Look at my nephew.

Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas?

Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas? Boys don’t wear princess dresses!

Unlike Hamilton, the youngster is clearly over the moon with his present, giggling with happiness as his uncle mocks him.

You can watch the video below:

Receiving a social media backlash, Hamilton has apologised for his comments which he now realises were ‘inappropriate’.

He wrote on Twitter:

Yesterday I was playing around with my nephew and realised 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.

My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it’s really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.

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.

The video was initially met with uproar on social media as people criticised Hamilton for both shaming his young nephew in public and reinforcing gender stereotypes.

Liam Hackett, the founder of bullying charity Ditch The Label, wrote:

Disappointing to see somebody with such a huge platform use it to publicly shame and attempt to undermine a small child.

Editor of Attitude magazine Matt Cain added:

This is outrageous.

Lewis Hamilton should be ashamed of himself, picking on a child in public just for being different.

His comments are sickening.

People also encouraged his nephew for expressing himself in whichever way he wants to, with Robin James saying:

‘Boys don’t wear princess dresses!’

No Lewis Hamilton, you’re right, boys don’t.

Boys should be aiming to be Queen, not just a princess.

Wear that crown and shine!

Although Hamilton has said he regrets his comments, people are now questioning how sincere his apology is.

Those on the social media site have pointed out how the Formula One star liked various tweets, which said he had no need to apologise, as the world ‘has gone mad with political correctness’:

Whether you believe his apology is genuine or not, mocking a child for any reason is wrong, especially on a public platform.

As is criticising someone’s decision to express themselves as they wish.

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