Lewis Hamilton forced to apologise for ‘gender-shaming’ his little nephew for wearing a princess dress after backlash from fans
LEWIS Hamilton performed a dramatic U-turn today after he was rocked by a backlash from furious fans after mocking his nephew for wearing a princess dress.
The Formula One driver was sharing his Christmas Day with family when he filmed the little boy in a purple and pink dress with a toile skirt.
He told his Instagram followers "I'm so sad right now" before turning the camera on his young nephew Kaiden.
The 32-year-old sportsman asks: "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!"
The happy little boy points his wand at his uncle Lewis and giggles at the camera.
Racing driver Lewis has now deleted the video clip from his Insta story and apologised.
Taking to Twitter, Lewis admitted his earlier post was a "lapse in judgement".
He said: "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.
"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.
"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."
His move came after a barrage of abuse from fans who slammed the sportsman for mocking his nephew.
Lewis has worn odd outfits and one follower said: “Kaiden doesn’t need fashion advice from someone who looks like he got dressed in the dark at a jumble sale.”
One said: "Boys wear whatever they want. Girls wear whatever they want. Boys can be princesses. Dresses aren't shameful.
"Go stick your toxic masculinity up your a**e.
Another added: "The kid looks genuinely happy!
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"Just let him enjoy his little life without having social norms imposed on him."
Someone said: "Lewis Hamilton ... A prime example of that narrow minded uncle at Christmas who has one too many drinks and thinks his opinion is valid at the family get together."
While another added: "Imagine publicly criticising your own nephew online for his choice of Christmas present."
And another one said: "Lewis Hamilton is such a pr**k for posting that video.
"His nephew was so happy wearing his princess gown but instead that wasteman publicly shamed a flipping child. What a bastard."