National Trust under fire after selling 'sexist' hats for girls
There has been an outpouring of criticism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The National Trust has come under fire after one of its properties was found selling “future footballers wife” hats.
Questionable grammar aside, the pink hats, intended for girls, have provoked outrage after Twitter user Laura Goss posted an image from Tatton Park’s gift shop.
The historical estate in Cheshire swiftly removed the hats from shelves after an outpouring of criticism on social media.
The tweet received a huge response, with many people shocked that anyone ever thought it OK to sell such a product.
The National Trust swiftly responded to Goss, but received further criticism for suggesting she flag up the problem to the property herself.
They explained that “Tatton Park is managed by Cheshire East Council. This product isn’t on sale at the places we look after.”
Tatton Park apologised for any offence and confirmed that they’d removed the hats from sale.
Graham Jones, Tatton Park’s visitor and commercial operations manager, said: “We get a job lot of hats from our supplier, including children’s hats, but I don't know how these ended up on our shelves. Someone’s put them out without thinking.
“If they have offended anyone and are considered inappropriate, then as far as we are concerned, it was a mistake and we take that very seriously.”
And Goss said she was pleased the hat had been removed.
“I was disgusted and saddened by it,” she told The Telegraph. “It would be wrong wherever it was sold. National Trust may not have direct responsibility for the shop but if it falls under their brand then they should accept some of the blame.
“It’s fantastic that it’s been taken off the shelf. It’s only a tiny thing really but it all helps.”
It’s not the first controversy to hit the National Trust over the summer - they’ve also been criticised for forcing staff members to wear Gay Pride badges, changing the recipe for their famous flapjacks and publicly outing Robert Wyndham Ketton-Cremer, former owner of Felbrigg Hall near Cromer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments