The front page was first published on Twitter on Monday night, instantly prompting a stream of criticism from politicians, journalists and members of the public, Joinfo.com reports with reference to Mashable.
Alas, the sexist commentary didn’t stop at the front page. Inside the paper, a headline above a column by Sarah Vine read: “Finest weapons at their command? Those pins!”
“But what stands out here are the legs – and the vast expanse on show. There is no doubt that both women consider their pins to be the finest weapon in their physical arsenal. Consequently, both have been unsheathed,” read Vine’s column.
Vine referred to Sturgeon’s legs as “altogether more flirty, tantalisingly crossed” and “a direct attempt at seduction.” Right…
People flocked to Twitter in droves to condemn the front page, with many questioning whether the paper was serious.
Some said that the front page was an example of everyday sexism and precisely why women attended the Women’s March.
This is why I march. @womensmarchlon Eyes up. Wise up. Rise up. We’re coming for you @DailyMailUK #legsit #everydaysexism #feminism pic.twitter.com/QQh5mARTHq
— Rachel O’Connell (@Rachel_Hesketh) 28 марта 2017 г.
“Even if you become PM, we’ll still only care about your bloody legs,” wrote one outraged Twitter user. One person found the paper’s focus on the politicians’ legs to be reminiscent of attitudes held in Tudor times.
History? Politics? Intelligence? Aptitude? Naaaaaaahhhh Let’s just judge everyone on their legs… Here’s a shapely pair of pins! #legsit pic.twitter.com/LUhpAShThC — Gemma Lawrence (@TudorTweep) 28 марта 2017 г.
One person suggested they could even be reminiscent of those held in the Dark Ages.
I know the clocks changed at the weekend, but we seem to have ended up back in the bloody dark ages. FFS. #legsit pic.twitter.com/kf5KFj6iVX
— Emma R. Garwood (@EmuSpace) 28 марта 2017 г.
A large consensus said the front page was a hark back to the 1950s.
But what’s this @DailyMailUK ? No Legs-it headline for Scotland? Is it just women in England & Wales you think live somewhere in the 1950s? https://t.co/kmtpZgWKPo — Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) 27 марта 2017 г.
Daily Mail reveal souvenir edition to celebrate the 1950s pic.twitter.com/0IH5r28LSn
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) 28 марта 2017 г.
Daily Mail reveal souvenir edition to celebrate the 1950s pic.twitter.com/0IH5r28LSn — Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) 28 марта 2017 г.
When you go to bed in 2017 and wake up in the 1950s! #legsit pic.twitter.com/m5K8pxNuEF
— Kayleigh Harvey (@kayleighharvey) 28 марта 2017 г.
Which even prompted a nice little Article 50 joke.
Article 1950 triggered #legsit pic.twitter.com/yUs9KMhcKU — Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) 28 марта 2017 г.
A few people mocked up what the front page would look like if replaced with male politicians’ legs.
Sneak preview of tomorrow’s Daily Mail front page. #Legsit pic.twitter.com/eTtvcIzjCo
— Elin Roberts (@Elin_A_Roberts) 28 марта 2017 г.
Sadly I can’t find the source for who made this, but whoever you are, you’ve made my day #legsit pic.twitter.com/wgbFYLb8XZ
— Emily Davies (@EmilyDTV) 28 марта 2017 г.