"Periods... a sign of weakness?" - Women's empowerment group blasts Tiger Woods over tampon controversy
Tiger Woods is facing a major backlash for his ‘off-color’ prank on his best friend Justin Thomas at the 2023 Genesis Invitational. The legendary golfer stirred controversy after he slipped a female hygienic product into Thomas’ hands as a symbolic gift of the latter’s defeat.
Just a day after the incident, a women's empowerment group has now called out Woods for his actions. Kara Sugar, CEO of the Women's Global Empowerment Fund, came out to slam the 15-time major winner and question his intentions with the prank. She asked if the golfer considered periods as “embarrassing or shameful or a sign of weakness?"
Speaking to TMZ, Kara Sugar said:
"Periods are embarrassing or shameful or a sign of weakness?"
The Women's Global Empowerment Fund CEO labeled Woods’ prank as being misogynistic and tone-deaf. She stated that it was a "straight-up disrespect to women and girls all over the world." Sugar also asked how the legendary player pulled off such a move despite having a daughter at home. The women's group stated it was sad to see Tiger take such action.
Yes, Tiger Woods 100% handed Justin Thomas a tampon after he outdrove him. https://t.co/VJbfldyXhw
Tiger Woods faces backlash for tampon exchange
For the unversed, Tiger Woods was playing his Friday round at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles with Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy. Having outdriven his friend Thomas, the ace golfer handed a Tampax to the latter. The incident was received by many as Woods suggesting that Justin plays ‘like a girl.’
Following this, Woods apologized for the prank on his friend. As the ’offensive' incident came under public scrutiny, the golfer stated that his actions weren’t meant in ill interest. The 15-time major champion added that he didn't mean to hurt anyone's sentiments.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Tiger Woods said:
“It was supposed to be all fun and games and obviously it hasn't turned out that way. If I offended anybody, it was not the case, it was just friends having fun."
He added:
“As I said, if I offended anybody in any way, shape or form, I'm sorry. It was not intended to be that way. It was just we play pranks on one another all the time and, virally, I think this did not come across that way. But between us it was—it's different.”
However, the ‘half-hearted’ apology was too late as the tampon controversy went viral overnight. From fans to fellow superstars, several personalities around the world have already condemned the action, labeling it as another low moment in Tiger Woods’ career.
Star Olympian Michael Johnson was one big name who slammed the PGA Tour player for his actions. Dismissing the golfer’s apology, the sprinter said that Woods “learned nothing” from his past actions over the years. Meanwhile, several others also came out in support of the golfer. Personalities like Paige Spiranac spoke out against the flak he was receiving for a ‘friendly prank.’