A school has defended its decision to stop a pupil taking part in World Book Day celebrations while wearing a Fifty Shades Of Grey costume.
Liam Scholes, 11, caused a stir when he arrived at Sale High School in Trafford, Greater Manchester dressed as the erotic romance novel’s male protagonist Christian Grey.
The boy, who was wearing a suit and carrying cable ties and an eye mask, had to alter his outfit before he was allowed to take part in events to mark the annual celebration of reading.
Lynn Nicholls, the school’s headteacher, said: “The school stands by the decision it made yesterday in relation to the costume worn by one of its students to World Book Day.
“The decision reflects the school’s high standards in terms of student behaviour, welfare and safeguarding.
“The student was not excluded from taking part in any of the activities as has been wrongly reported. His costume was modified and he was then able to fully participate and enjoy the day with his peers.
“The aim of our World Book Day events was to celebrate and encourage reading and we are disappointed that what was a fantastic day for our students has been marred by this issue.”
The school marked World Book Day by asking pupils to dress as famous literary characters.
Liam’s mother, Nicola Scholes, 36, told ITV1’s Good Morning Britain: “I don’t regret allowing him to go as that character.
“He’s a character that has been put out there on the television and all aspects of media.
“Every child at the age of 11 knows who he was. He walked into school yesterday and every child knew who he was.
“I don’t think he’s gone as something that has not been accessible to children of his age before.”
Liam said: “He’s the character that has been talked about the most in the past few years and he’s just been everywhere you go.”
He added: “I think it’s the content of the book that might (make) people think that it’s inappropriate. But I went into school as Christian Grey just for a laugh, not anything else.”
A film based on the book by EL James – which has sold over 100 million copies worldwide – hit screens last month.
Campaigners claim the story of billionaire Christian Grey’s passionate relationship with student Anastasia Steele promotes domestic abuse.
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