Sabtu, 26 Mei 2012

Sharlie Lightfoot: Carnival princess, 15, stripped of her title over NECK piercing

Sharlie Lightfoot: Carnival princess, 15, stripped of her title over NECK piercing

  • Sharlie Lightfoot said there had been 'no mention' of piercings when she was awarded role
  •  Teynham carnival chairman Terry West said the teen had 'ruined it for herself'
  • Miss Lightfood wears a metal bar that goes through back of her neck

By Amy Oliver

PUBLISHED: 06:57 EST, 26 May 2012 | UPDATED: 11:57 EST, 26 May 2012

A newly-crowned carnival princess has been stripped of her title after organisers spotted an 'inappropriate' piercing on her neck.

Sharlie Lightfoot, 15, of Faversham, Kent, was chosen to represent Teynham earlier this month and was due to make her first public appearance at Sittingbourne Carnival next month.

But this week the teenager was sacked from the job for the piercing at the back of her neck, which organisers saw on her Facebook page.

Axed: Sharlie Lightfoot, 15, of Faversham, Kent, who was stripped of her carnival princess title for her metal bar neck piercing

Axed: Sharlie Lightfoot, 15, of Faversham, Kent, who was stripped of her carnival princess title for her metal bar neck piercing

Fuming, Miss Lightfoot said there had been 'no mention' of piercings when she was awarded the role, something the organisers admit.

The teen said she would not have had the piercing if she had known it would cost her the title, but did admit to having a tattoo, despite being underage.

Miss Lightfoot said: 'I signed a contract and it didn't say anything about piercings so I never imagined I'd get sacked for it.

'I had a tattoo clearly on show when I was selected and no one seemed to mind that, so I didn't think twice about the piercing.

'Being in a carnival means everything to me. I have always wanted to do it.'

Honour: Miss Lightfoot's mother Jodie said it had been her daughter's dream to represent the town of Teynham in the carnival line-up

Honour: Miss Lightfoot's mother Jodie said it had been her daughter's dream to represent the town of Teynham in the carnival line-up

Miss Lightfoot has offered to replace the metal bar with a transparent one or to take it out completely but she was told by organisers that it was too late.

Miss Lightfood's mother, Jodie, 33, said: 'It was her dream. It is so unfair they have taken it away from her.'

Teynham carnival chairman, Terry West, said: 'I saw the picture and decided it wasn't satisfactory for a girl representing Teynham, so the only thing I could do was to take away her sash.

'You hope the girls will set a n example as they are meeting mayors, MPs and councillors. I don't think a neck piercing is appropriate.

'Unfortunately she has ruined it for herself. But she is welcome to try again next year - without the piercing.'

Mr West admitted he had never specified a policy on body piercings but would formulate new rules for next year's court.

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Best rated
  • Worst rated

So the tattoos are OK then? classy.

Report abuse

My, how American the UK has become.

Report abuse

Ok, there was nothing said that she couldn't have a piercing AND she offered to take it out so I really think this guy is being a jerk. He should've said, take it out, and then for next year he could've changed the rules to outlaw piercings!

Report abuse

Spoilt children and immature 'adults' can 'red arrow' all they like, the organiser/s made the right decision. She is too young for either tattoos or piercings, and they look horrible anyway even if she weren't.

Report abuse

James from wetbridge, - seriously?? Delusional comment. All people with piercings you mean by this? I ridiculous. As the carnival organiser I would be wanting to promote diversity. If anything I'd be bothered about the tattoo rather than the piercing, but I have several myself and see no problem with them.

Report abuse

She is probably very representative of her peers and the town and Mr West should realise this and give the job to someone like her who has quirks but is sensible. Move with the times?

Report abuse

Who is tattooing and piercing 15 year old girls in or near Teynham would be a more appropriate question?

Report abuse

Where no rule has been given, the action is one of mere prejudice. Grossly unfair.

Report abuse

So they knew her age, they knew she had a tattoo whilst being under age yet they stripped her of her title because of a piercing?! She has signed a contract which she hasn't broken?!! Will be interesting to see who they replace her with!! Oh and I agree what a plank!!

Report abuse

I believe that this is as discriminatory as you will ever find, and is I believe now to be illegal? They need to return her title and apologise publicly too. And should they add that to the conditions for the future, then it is still going to be discriminatory too!

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Diposting oleh di

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

Langganan: Posting Komentar (Atom)