Try GOLD - Free
Calling white women Karen is borderline 'racist, sexist and ageist', says tribunal
The Independent
|June 29, 2025
An employment tribunal says that calling someone a “Karen” is “borderline racist, sexist and ageist”.
The judge presiding over the case described the “pejorative” slang term as typically aimed at middle-aged white women.
The ruling emerged during a hearing at Watford Employment Tribunal, where Sylvia Constance, 74, brought claims of unfair dismissal, direct race and age discrimination, and victimisation against Harpendon Mencap. The charity provides support to adults with learning disabilities.
Ms Constance, who the tribunal heard is Black British, alleged she was targeted because of her race, leading to her dismissal on 13 June 2023.
This story is from the June 29, 2025 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent
The Independent
Magnificent, excruciating and genuinely touching
From its depiction of midlife ennui to its satirical take on therapy-speak, 'How Are You? It's Alan (Partridge)' is the best Partridge-related project in years
4 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
Thatcher and Farage high on Tory conference agenda
Having been virtually invisible during recent fierce arguments between Labour and Reform UK, the Conservatives have an opportunity to remind voters of their existence as their annual conference takes place in Manchester from Sunday.
4 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
Mother 'influenced' dying daughter to reject chemo
A University of Cambridge graduate who died after refusing chemotherapy was “adversely influenced” by her mother’s conspiracy theory views, an inquest has concluded.
4 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
Two dead, three hurt after terror attack at Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur
Knifeman named as Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was fatally shot within seven minutes of rampage starting on Jewish holy day
3 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
'Baroness Bra' and the myth behind her padded fortune
As Michelle Mone's firm is ordered to pay back over £100m, Guy Walters takes a close look at the books to see whether the lingerie tycoon was ever as successful as she made out
6 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
Nirvana album cover child abuse case dismissed again
The man who appeared as a naked baby on a Nirvana album cover has had his lawsuit against the grunge rock band thrown out for a second time.
1 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
Praying mantises ‘may have blown over from Europe’
Praying mantises have been spotted in the wild in England, with experts suggesting they may have been “blown over” from mainland Europe.
1 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
How our WhatsApp archive became a digital graveyard
Katie Rosseinsky speaks to the experts about why hiding uncomfortable conversations is so tempting – and why such behaviour might not be the best solution in the long run
5 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
Goodness, Greta, what's the point of your Gaza flotillas?
In common with many, I suspect, I have been tracking the progress of the 40-ship Global Sumud Flotilla since it left Barcelona a month ago, with campaigner-for-everything Greta Thunberg as its standard-bearer.
3 mins
October 03, 2025
The Independent
‘I was naive at Red Bull – but my goal is still the same’
The dust of ruthlessness had barely settled for 24 hours before Liam Lawson made his feelings known. Brutally ousted from Red Bull after two races this season – the shortest ever stint in a full-time Formula One seat – the New Zealander posted on
4 mins
October 03, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size