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Lewis Hamilton called sexist for spraying race hostess with champagne (pic)

Jason Rowan
| April 14, 2015

lewis-hamilton-champagne

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has come under fire and accused of sexism after he sprayed a race hostess in the face with champagne following his race victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Hamilton has been widely condemned on social media in the wake of the incident, with some referring to him as “bully” and a “scumbag,” per a Daily Mail report. Others were vocal in while defending Hamilton as well.

But many attributed Hamilton’s actions to Formula 1’s long history of sexism in light that the act of soaking race hostesses with champagne after a win is considered a trademark celebratory act.

Object, an organization that campaigns against media sexism and “sex object culture,” issued a statement demanding Hamilton apologize for his actions.

Roz Hardie, Object’s CEO, stated the following:

“The photographs appear to show that the woman is not just being splashed, but that the champagne is being very specifically directed into her face, which does not look like a voluntary piece of horseplay on her part.

“If this if the case we think Lewis Hamilton should apologise for his actions and think carefully about how he behaves in the future. For most people, it would be apparent that she is not enjoying it.

“It is surely a very difficult position to be a grid girl and she would have had little option but to stand there and take it. That is something of which he should be aware. But instead, he appears to have abused her position.

“It’s unfortunate that a great victory has been marred by what appears to be selfish and inconsiderate behaviour.”

The fact that this is not uncommon conduct following a victory in a race — along with Object’s sternly worded statement — indicates the controversy likely won’t go away anytime soon. But given Hamilton’s esteemed place among Formula 1’s elite, the decision to call him out specifically for the supposedly traditional champagne soaking certainly makes sense for organizations like Object if they hope to advance their crusade.

(top image credit: New York Post Sports/Twitter)