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Hamilton under fire for Stevenage 'slums' comment | Hamilton under fire for Stevenage 'slums' comment |
(35 minutes later) | |
Lewis Hamilton has been criticised by his home town for saying it was his dream to "get out of the slums". | Lewis Hamilton has been criticised by his home town for saying it was his dream to "get out of the slums". |
The Formula 1 racing driver made the comment on stage last night at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. | The Formula 1 racing driver made the comment on stage last night at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. |
He seemed to immediately backtrack but the leader of Stevenage Borough Council said it was "disappointing" and people felt "very offended". | He seemed to immediately backtrack but the leader of Stevenage Borough Council said it was "disappointing" and people felt "very offended". |
Social media users were quick to both criticise and defend Mr Hamilton but he has not commented. | |
The five-time F1 world champion was one of six finalists for the title, which was given to Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, at a ceremony in Birmingham. | The five-time F1 world champion was one of six finalists for the title, which was given to Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, at a ceremony in Birmingham. |
Stevenage 'very offended' | Stevenage 'very offended' |
Speaking to one of the presenters, Gabby Logan, he said: "It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different. For us to get out of the slums. | Speaking to one of the presenters, Gabby Logan, he said: "It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different. For us to get out of the slums. |
"Well, not the slums, but to get out of somewhere and do something. We all set our goals very, very high but we did it as a team." | "Well, not the slums, but to get out of somewhere and do something. We all set our goals very, very high but we did it as a team." |
Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor said: "It is disappointing that Lewis Hamilton referred to Stevenage as 'the slums' at such a high-profile event. | Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor said: "It is disappointing that Lewis Hamilton referred to Stevenage as 'the slums' at such a high-profile event. |
"He clearly realised what he had said and tried to correct it but sadly the people of our town, many of whom admire and support him, felt very offended." | "He clearly realised what he had said and tried to correct it but sadly the people of our town, many of whom admire and support him, felt very offended." |
Also writing on Twitter, Team England para-badminton player Gobi Ranganathan said: "I for one am proud to fly the flag for Stevenage. It's made me who I am today. | Also writing on Twitter, Team England para-badminton player Gobi Ranganathan said: "I for one am proud to fly the flag for Stevenage. It's made me who I am today. |
"It's not perfect, but it's home. And it has a lot to offer if people just open their eyes." | "It's not perfect, but it's home. And it has a lot to offer if people just open their eyes." |
Others on Twitter defended him, one post said: "Please note that Lewis's words were taken out of context. and he tried to correct himself," while a comment on the Lewis Hamilton Facebook page said: "He was meaning his family were not well off but made sacrifices to help him become a go kart driver." | Others on Twitter defended him, one post said: "Please note that Lewis's words were taken out of context. and he tried to correct himself," while a comment on the Lewis Hamilton Facebook page said: "He was meaning his family were not well off but made sacrifices to help him become a go kart driver." |
The BBC has contacted Hamilton's representatives for comment. | The BBC has contacted Hamilton's representatives for comment. |