DUBAI: UK newspaper the Daily Mail is facing backlash online over Tuesday’s front-page headline on the Brexit discussions between Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
The headline reads “Never mind Brexit, who won legs-it!” over a photo of both women wearing skirts.
Twitter users have responded in anger to the front-page, slamming it as “demeaning” and “sexist.”
This is how the Mail talks about the UK Prime Minister and the Scottish First Minister in 2017, FFS #legsit pic.twitter.com/1RgKDbdOnV
— Olivia Solon (@oliviasolon) March 27, 2017
One user wrote: “Ignoring an actual story in an attempt to demean & humiliate successful women…dated, unimaginative & so, so boring.”
Ignoring an actual story in an attempt to demean & humiliate successful women..dated, unimaginative & so, so boring #EverydaySexism #legsit pic.twitter.com/AJCVx4jSfX
— Chloë Wood (@chloe_s_wood) March 27, 2017
Meanwhile, another user said: “Every time I think no paper could be tackier and sleazier than the Sun, along comes the Daily Mail to challenge for pole position.”
Every time I think no paper could be tackier and sleazier than the Sun, along comes the Daily Mail to challenge for pole position #legsit
— Tony Parkin (@tonyparkin) March 27, 2017
“Hello, Daily Mail? 1972 called. They want their casually sexist & demeaning front page headline back,” one Twitter user posted.
Hello, Daily Mail? 1972 called. They want their casually sexist & demeaning front page headline back #everydaysexism #legsit https://t.co/GZ6QNTawgm
— Sharon Glaas (@SLGlaas) March 27, 2017
Nice pins. #legsit #newspaperoftheyear #nevermindbrexit pic.twitter.com/hXdK1KbrN2
— alan rusbridger (@arusbridger) March 27, 2017
The Daily Mail’s website wades further into controversy with a set of articles dedicated to the fashion choices of both leaders.
One article, titled “Never mind the referendum! As Nicola Sturgeon ditches her red power suit to mirror Theresa May’s somber look...Who won the fashion face-off at their tense talks?” sheds light on the pressing issue of each woman’s wardrobe.
According to the report, “Miss Sturgeon in particular is known for her love of vivid colors, but today the Scottish leader seemed to be mirroring her Westminster counterpart, ditching her usual red power suit for a navy jacket with white piping over a dress in a matching shade.
“While Mrs.May also remained understated, she managed to pull it off a lot more effectively by adding interest to her outfit with leopard print heels and a chunky gold chain bag,” the article added.
