Lewis Hamilton has apologised for making “inappropriate comments” about his young nephew wearing a dress.
The Formula One world champion was accused of humiliating his nephew online after he posted a video in which he disapproved of his relative’s choice of Christmas attire, telling him: “Boys don’t wear princess dresses.”
Hamilton has since deleted the Instagram post, which showed his nephew wearing a purple and pink outfit and carrying a pink wand with a heart on it.
He was heavily criticised for negatively stereotyping his nephew on the basis of his gender.
On Tuesday, Hamilton told his 5.2 million followers on Twitter that he regretted his “unacceptable” post.
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 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
In the video he posted on Instagram, he said: “I’m so sad right now. Look at my nephew,” , as the camera focuses on the boy.
“Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas?” he asks, as the boy nods delightedly.
“Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas?” he goes on.
“Because it’s pretty,” the boy replies enthusiastically, waving the pink wand.
“Boys don’t wear princess dresses!” says Hamilton.
The 32-year-old was abroad celebrating Christmas with his family when he posted the video.
In response, Travis Alabanza, a performance artist, had said: “I hope Lewis Hamilton properly thinks and apologises to his nephew for that video.”
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
In November, the Guardian revealed that Hamilton avoided paying tax on his £16.5m private jet by using an Isle of Man scheme that is to be investigated by HM Revenue and Customs.
Before that, his use of social media has caused various controversies, from saying “this s--- is killing me” on Snapchat during a Formula One press conference in Japan, to taking selfies while riding a Harley-Davidson motorbike in New Zealand.
