England captain Heather Knight reacts after being reprimanded for ‘blackface’ photo

Heather Knight, the captain of the England women’s cricket team, has publicly apologized after being reprimanded for a photograph of her in blackface that surfaced from a themed party in 2012. The Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) issued a reprimand along with a suspended fine of £1,000 ($1,300) after the photo was shared on social media, leading to charges that Knight’s actions were “racist and discriminatory.”

Heather Knight’s apology

In her statement, Knight expressed deep regret for her past actions, stating, “I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong and I have long regretted it.” She acknowledged that at the time, she lacked understanding regarding the implications of her actions and emphasized that there was no malicious intent behind her decision to wear blackface at a sports-themed fancy dress party when she was just 21 years old.

“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,” she added in her statement released via England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

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Commitment to change

The adjudicator for the CDC, Tim O’Gorman, noted that while Knight’s conduct was deemed inappropriate, it was accepted that she did not post the photograph herself and had no control over its circulation on social media. The ruling also highlighted Knight’s subsequent efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within cricket, recognizing her commitment to using her platform for positive change.

O’Gorman’s judgement said: “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.

“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.”