London bus driver says sorry for ridiculing man wearing high heels
A London bus driver has apologised, after he filmed himself mocking a man wearing high heels.
In a clip shared on social media, the driver can be hear saying it is “too early” for this “bomboclat” – a Jamaican expression which conveys surprise or shock.
“What do you do, man?” he asks.
The man wearing heels comes into shot in the video and appears to be extremely uncomfortable as he realises he is being filmed.
He then attempts to walk away but the driver continues to film him.
The driver then laughs at the man and says: “It’s too early, mate.”
I’ve seen this video of a London bus driver harassing a man because he’s wearing high heels all over Instagram . I’ve reported it but insta ain’t taking it down. Help me report it properly please guys . I don’t know what else to do pic.twitter.com/WIOponZfH9
— ActionDan (@DanMcCarthy_88) July 10, 2018
But, now, the unnamed bus driver, who did not want to be named, has apologised over the incident.
“I don’t have any issue regarding people’s sexuality,” he told GSN. “Hand on my heart. Someone could’ve been wearing space boots and I would’ve said the same thing.”
He added that he was “extremely upset” people had called him homophobic for the video.
The driver explained that he filmed the video in Merton, when he had gone to get a coffee. He said he filmed the video for private viewing, but that his sister shared it online as she found it amusing.
“If I could meet the guy I would apologise,” he continued. “I didn’t mean to go out there to distress him like that.
“I’m gutted. I’ve sat here all afternoon calling and emailing trying to get a hold of Instagram and Facebook to remove the video. It’s not who I am. I’m not homophobic.”
The driver added: “I truly am sorry if anyone’s taken offence. I didn’t say anything derogatory about him. I’m really embarrassed and saddened and quite emotional.”
Transport for London has confirmed to PinkNews that they are investigating the incident.
Claire Mann, TfL’s Director of Bus Operations, said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We expect the highest standards from London bus drivers, and we are working with the bus operator to investigate this incident and to ensure the appropriate action is taken immediately.”
A man rides a tube escalator decorated with the Pride flag colours (Carl Court/Getty)
Social media users criticised the bus driver’s actions, with many pointing out the incident took place while TfL was marking Pride.
“TfL should be able to do something… Especially since they are waving their Pride flag at the moment,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another wrote: “This is not acceptable, that poor guy was just trying to be left alone.”
“Absolutely unacceptable and disgusting behaviour! Doing nothing is condoning this behaviour,” another user added.
Others showed support for the man being filmed. “I’d like to know who the person in heels is to make them know they are loved and we are there for them,” one person wrote on Twitter. “It’s never too early.”
