08 April 2022
A cruel joke followed by a slap grabbed the headlines and inspired heated debate at this year’s Oscars. Some even speculated it was staged
Dr Hannah Saunders, of Queen Mary University, London, focuses on the meanness of the joke, made against Jada Pinkett Smith, whose head is shaved as a result of her alopecia.
What legal protection is there for physical appearance, specifically hair loss? It’s not protected under the Equality Act.
Saunders explores this fascinating topic, including caselaw, and asks whether a new approach to appearance equality is needed. She writes: ‘What makes appearance fair game, when many other personal characteristics are not? And does law have a role in combatting appearance disadvantage?’
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