Lewis Hamilton Faces Criticism After Controversial Post Blows Up
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has received criticism after sharing a post on his Instagram stories featuring Brad Pitt’s cover of W Magazine. It’s since blown up on social media as fans of the driver come out to defend him.
A fan account dedicated to Hamilton, @SirLewisUpdates, posted that the Mercedes driver had shared a “known abuser” on his Instagram story. This was in reference to allegations made by Angelina Jolie, which The New York Times reported as claiming that Pitt had “choked one of the children and struck another in the face” and “grabbed Jolie by the head and shook her”. Pitt has denied the claims and according to The Independent, no charges were filed after an investigation into the incident “due to several factors”.
Twitter users responded to the post, with some criticizing Hamilton for his choice to share. One user commented:
“It’s sad with @LewisHamilton’s power within Sport & how many people he influences, his fanbase who are young and old, and yet he’s showing everyone that he happily supports domestic abusers, child abusers, and perverts from Hollywood cesspool. So disgusting”
Others defended Hamilton, with one user writing:
“I won’t pretend that Lewis has never slipped up, but having just read a few articles about the allegations regarding Brad, I think we shouldn’t pronounce anyone guilty or innocent before a verdict is reached, we don’t know if his attitude towards Brad would change if found guilty”.
In response to the backlash, Hamilton took to his Instagram stories once more to post a topless photo, which some fans noted was a way to distract from the drama.
One Twitter user wrote:
“He posted a thirst trap after teamlh called him out.”
Another person compared the move to actor Chris Evans posting photos of his dog when facing criticism, saying:
“Took notes from chris evans posting a wholesome dog picture every time he’s being called out”. [sic]
@SirLewisUpdates also responded by calling Hamilton the “King of distractions”.
