The time a celebrity used my disability for their own social media

Let's talk about it...

Recently I shared the story about when Wayne Lineker’s PR team used my image on his Instagram stories. Yep. Let me summarise…

I was in Leeds City Centre having cocktails, as you do - and suddenly a woman runs toward me saying “Excuse me, would you like a picture with Wayne!?” Before I could reply she shouted “WAYNE, WAYNE come and get a picture!”.

He strolled over and said hello. I have to admit it was bizarre. I was merry after a couple of cocktails so I took it as chill as you could do lol. I asked if he was having a good night and where he was off to next. His PR person asked what my Instagram handle was. We said goodbye and my friends and I were perplexed by what had just happened.

I got in the taxi on the way home and my phone lights up. Wayne Lineker tagged you in a story.

So funny.

It really is wild that a celebrity uses disabled people like this. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not that bothered. In the grand scheme of things it’s not really an issue. But I think it does highlight why disabled people feel so distrustful of people. Why did Wayne’s team want that photo? What does it say about him? What did he want to get across?

I guess I’ll never know. But I do know, if I think too deeply it does take me to thoughts of how deflating it is to just want to have a good night, yet be reminded that I am different. That purely my existence can be used to deceptively make people look “better” whilst pitying me at the same time.

You may ask, why didn’t I say no. Honestly 1 - I didn’t have time and 2 it was a few years ago, I was young and didn’t really have the confidence to say anything other than smile.

Often we see celebrities posting videos of disabled people calling them “inspirational” and I guess this is my warning to you. Please always analyse what you’re looking at. Is this person doing something or are they just existing? If so, let’s let people be - and let me back to my cocktail thank you very much.