Top author Louise O’Neill was criticised for wearing an off-the-shoulder top, while promoting her highly acclaimed RTE show Asking For It.
The Cork writer has been praised for her best-selling book of the same name, and has quickly become one of the leading voices of our generation.
But, despite writing a book about a young girl who was gang raped at a party, who faced heavy judgement from society, Louise has now faced some judgement herself – for wearing a TOP.
Yes, you read that right, Louise wore an off-the-shoulder white top to an interview, and journalist from The Independent John Boland was happy to focus on what she was wearing as he reviewed her new show – which had the nation talking.
Lads. The Indo thinks my outfit (a top, not a dress ACTUALLY) was too revealing and inappropriate for day wear #AskingForIt pic.twitter.com/QICSJlRiKY
— Louise O’ Neill (@oneilllo) November 5, 2016
“Is it permission to wonder what point she thought she was making by turning up for an interview with two young male journalists while wearing a shoulderless party dress with a plungingly neckline?
“Was she asserting that what women wore was entirely up to them and not to be contrued as anything else?”
Since sharing the section of the article online, Louise has been getting sent #ShoulderGate tweets by people online who really weren’t happy about the piece.
#shouldergate solidarity. Idea that what @oneilllo should wear on a serious programme abt a huge topic is utterly pathetic. @Independent_ie pic.twitter.com/2gjIGzMMLW
— Mary Dwyer (@careforequality) November 5, 2016
They had to put me on this platform by myself on my 30th, @oneilllo, in case my shoulders offended the people by the Thames #ShoulderGate pic.twitter.com/rHn5PUcuO0
— Beverley (@PckYourPassport) November 5, 2016
@oneilllo I’ve probably corrupted him for life! Can’t believe they didn’t grab him from me and shield his eyes! #ShoulderGate pic.twitter.com/1UwGnnXLBM
— Kloi Fegën (@CitizenWalker89) November 5, 2016
Just so you know this is the revealing top she wore to the interview (shield your eyes)
The top that is causing SO much controversy in #ShoulderGate is from @pixiemarketNYC. It’s shocking stuff. pic.twitter.com/HJ5BAzxJmU
— Louise O’ Neill (@oneilllo) November 5, 2016
Instead of focusing on the incredible work Louise has done, by creating a conversation in Ireland that was well overdue, it seems the critic was more interested in whether Louise had a motive behind showing off her bare shoulders (in this day and age eh?).
Another day, another reason for women to be scared to go out wearing short skirts, tight dresses, and yes…. SHOULDERLESS tops.
