A women’s empowerment group has ripped into Tiger Woods following a ‘misogynistic’ tampon joke at a PGA Tour Event.
The golfing star has faced a lot of backlash after handing Justin Thomas a tampon while playing at the Genesis Invitational.
TMZ reports that Karen Sugar, CEO of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, slammed the moment as ‘misogynistic’ and ‘tone deaf’ labelling it disrespectful to girls and women everywhere.
Sugar claimed that the joke insinuated that having ‘periods are embarrassing or shameful or a sign of weakness’.
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The joke was allegedly implying that Thomas ‘hits like a girl’.
The women’s group outlined their disappointment in seeing a grown man with a daughter make such a joke.
They claimed the joke distracted from the issues surrounding mental health and periods that females face.
The event in California was Woods’ first competitive appearance in seven months and was competing alongside Thomas and Rory McIlroy.
At the ninth hole, after Woods outdrove Thomas, the American appeared to play a prank on his compatriot.
Woods walked alongside Thomas and discreetly placed something into the hand of the 29-year-old.
In the moments that followed, Thomas reacted quickly by chucking the item onto the floor. The pair then laughed together immediately afterwards.
It was later revealed by the cameras that it was in fact a tampon which was given to Thomas by Woods
The American faced criticism from many online for his actions with some claiming he didn’t ‘respect women’ and that it was a ‘boomer joke’.
According to TMZ, the golfer gave an apology that was more or less a non-apology.
He said: “It was supposed to be all fun and games. Obviously, it hasn't turned out that way. If I offended anybody in any way, shape, or form, I'm sorry.”
SPORTbible reached out to representatives of Tiger Woods for comment.
Topics: Tiger Woods, Golf
Jayden Collins