Daily Mail Cover of Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon
This Sexist Newspaper Cover of 2 World Leaders Is Causing a Social Media Sh*tstorm
On March 27, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with British Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss the controversial Brexit ruling. Following the meeting, the Daily Mail published a cover of the two powerful female leaders. The accompanying headline read, "Never mind Brexit, who won Legs-it!"
The inside article nitpicked each woman's respective posture and body language. To give you an idea, here's a snippet from the article: "While May's fingers, elegant with their classic red nails, were relaxed and open, Sturgeon's grip appeared somewhat tenser, her right thumb at an awkward angle, bearing down on her left index finger in a vice-like grip, as though having to use every ounce of self-control to stop herself poking her rival in that gimlet eye."
The internet responded with anger and derision. Member of Parliament Yvetter Cooper addressed the cover on Twitter and said, "Two women's decisions will determine if United Kingdom continues to exist. And front page news is their lower limbs." Others also pointed out how backwards and sleazy the cover is.
If Daily Mail was a person you'd get a restraining order, frankly. pic.twitter.com/ZZOfoFzYe5
— Matt Haig (@matthaig1) March 27, 2017
The @DailyMailUK sends clear message to every little girl: even if you become PM, we'll still only care about your bloody legs. #LegsIt #FFS pic.twitter.com/lU6V0rzPOO
— Zoë Kelland (@ZoeKelland) March 28, 2017
When it's late in the newsroom and there are no women left in the building to run this by. #Legsit pic.twitter.com/tyZaFrJZZa
— Sophia Cannon (@SophiaCannon) March 27, 2017
Once we've called out The Daily Mail for sexism, can we also spend 5 mins talking bout how bad that pun is? #legsit
— James Wilson-Taylor (@mrjaytee) March 27, 2017
If you honestly don't get why people fight so hard for women's equality then today's Daily Mail front page will explain it to you. pic.twitter.com/zzsjoVbyik
— Daniel Hardcastle (@DanNerdCubed) March 28, 2017
The publication has yet to rescind the article or address it publicly.
