Hamilton apologizes for criticizing dress-wearing nephew

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Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has apologized after he was criticized for shouting at his nephew for wearing a dress.

"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 tweeted.

Hamilton described his outburst as a "lapse of judgment."

The four-time world champion shared a video – which has since been deleted – on Christmas Day via Instagram which showed his nephew wearing a blue and pink dress and waving a pink heart-shaped furry wand.

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"I'm so sad right now. Look at my nephew," the British driver wrote.

He then asked the youngster: "Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas?"

When his nephew says yes, Hamilton replies: "Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas?"

In the video, Hamilton shouts: "Boys don't wear princess dresses" which led to the youngster covering his ears with his hands.

The comments incurred harsh criticism online, with many accusing the star of negatively stereotyping his nephew based on his gender.

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"This is horrible. Children should feel safe to be themselves around family, not attacked for it," tweeted @benjaminbutter.

"Boys wear whatever they want. Girls wear whatever they want. Boys can be princesses. Dresses aren't shameful," @pennygotch wrote.

Hamilton reacted quickly and posted an apology on Twitter.

"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," tweeted Hamilton.

"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."

Source(s): AFP