Heather Knight, England women’s cricket team captain, has been reprimanded after an old photo resurfaced on social media showing her in “blackface.” She was also given a suspended fine of £1,000 ($1,300). The blackface image was originally shared on Facebook by another person.
Tim O’Gorman, Cricket Discipline Commission adjudicator, described the incident as “racist and discriminatory.” However, he noted that Knight did not intend any harm when the photo was taken at a sports-themed fancy dress party in 2012 when she was 21. The 33-year-old, who is currently preparing to lead England in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, has since expressed deep regret for her actions in an official statement.
“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong and I have long regretted it. Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill-intent meant,” Knight was quoted as saying by AFP.
“Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game, ensuring under-represented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have,” she added.
Knight accepted the charges against her in August and offered an apology for her actions. Notably, her punishment took into account her lack of understanding regarding the matters surrounding such a photo at the time.
“At a ‘sports stars’ themed party in 2012, Ms Knight appeared in a photo in fancy dress with blackface. This, I find, was racist and discriminatory conduct. (But) I find and accept that there was no racist or discriminatory intent in the blackface itself.
“It is accepted that Ms Knight did not herself post the photograph on any social media platform, has no power to delete the photo and has no power to control how it has been posted (or might be posted in future). I consider that it is inappropriate and unnecessary to require a further apology,” O’Gorman’s judgment read.
Richard Gould, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), accepted Knight’s admission of her profound error, emphasizing that her apology was fitting. In addition, Knight’s teammate Danni Wyatt-Hodge was reprimanded for similar charges back in 2013.
“As a public figure and leader, Heather has worked tirelessly to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for cricket,” Gould said.
