England cricket captain Heather Knight has faced disciplinary action and a suspended £1,000 fine after an old photo surfaced showing her in ‘blackface’. The image, which emerged on social media, was taken at a sports-themed fancy dress party in Kent back in 2012 when Knight was 21.
The Cricket Discipline Commission’s adjudicator Tim O’Gorman described the act as “racist and discriminatory” but acknowledged that Knight had no racist or discriminatory intent. Knight is due to lead England in the upcoming T20 World Cup next month.
In response to the incident, Knight expressed remorse, stating: “I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong and I have long regretted it.”
She further explained her growth in understanding since the time of the incident: “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. Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game, ensuring underrepresented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have.”
Her fine will be suspended for two years.
Despite not posting the picture herself on Facebook, she immediately accepted responsibility for its circulation by others, showing regret and issuing an apology for the incident.
The judgement from O’Gorman states: “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.”
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, a team-mate of Knight, encountered similar censure from a 2013 Instagram post involving ‘blackface’, receiving a reprimand two years back.
Amid this controversy, Richard Gould, the chief executive of England and Wales Cricket Board, has come forward to say: “Heather recognises this was a serious error of judgment which took place more than 10 years ago and has rightly apologised. As a public figure and leader, Heather has worked tirelessly to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for cricket.
“She has championed initiatives to promote diversity and strongly advocated for marginalised communities. She has shown herself to be a positive role model. While we cannot change the past, we can certainly learn from it. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing work to combat racism and discrimination.
“We remain committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and belonging for all.”