Horner tribute to wife Geri on Mother’s Day mocked online
CHRISTIAN HORNER’S Mother’s Day tribute on Instagram to his wife Geri appeared to backfire as his post was mocked in comments online.
The Red Bull Formula 1 team principal, 50, shared photographs of the former Spice Girl on the social media platform yesterday.
In the caption, he wrote: “Happy Mother’s Day – So appreciative of the mums in our family for everything they do. We’re always grateful, today and every day.”
However, social media users were quick to criticise Horner, who is at the centre of a controversy over accusations about his behaviour towards a female employee.
Comments left underneath the post accused him of following PR advice and said he was “digging himself a bigger hole”.
“Did your PR person tell you to post this?” said one user, while another, added: “You ain’t fooling anyone bro.”
Other comments said he had disrespected his wife with his behaviour, with one stating: “1996 Ginger Spice would have shown you the door”.
Another user questioned why he had allowed comments to be made under the post, saying: “You keep digging a bigger hole for yourself ”.
It has been more than a week since an investigation by Red Bull cleared Horner of wrongdoing following allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a female colleague.
But Horner has been unable to escape the controversy after Whatsapp messages alleged to be between him and a female employee were leaked to the media on Feb 29, a day after the Red Bull ruling, and widely disseminated online.
It led to calls from Jos Verstappen, the father of Max Verstappen, the world champion and Red Bull’s most valuable asset, for Horner to resign.
Horner’s accuser was suspended with full pay on Thursday, amid reports the woman was told of concerns around the accuracy of her evidence as an explanation.
Speaking a few hours after news broke of her suspension, Horner spoke about the emotional toll the episode had taken on his family.
“I’m married and have three children, and when that intrusion involves your children, and your marriage – and I’m very thankful I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife… but I’m the only one who has been named in this. So of course, it’s very trying. When there’s children involved, family, parents… it’s not pretty.
“The reality is, there was a grievance that was raised. It was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group, not Red Bull Racing but the parent company.
“They appointed one of the top barristers in the land. He looked at everything. He looked at all the facts. And he looked at the case and dismissed the grievance.”