Leeds University’s boxing club has been accused of joking about domestic violence after a student made a comment suggesting women “deserve” to be spanked sometimes.
Video posted on the social media pages of both Leeds Freestyle Dance Society and Leeds Boxing Soc showed two members of each club “getting married” during each other’s time, with a third student dressed as an official for the ceremony. The video is captioned: “POV join the community and next thing you know you’re marrying a stranger.”
An extra student, acting as an officiant, says to the “groom,” “Will you promise to beat your punches even if (the bride) deserves it?”
The remark is answered with a combination of cheers and praise.
When The Leeds Tab contacted both associations for comment, the videos were taken down on social media.
A spokeswoman for Leeds Freestyle Dance Society said they do not accept comment and were not involved in writing the ‘lights’. They added that they are grateful to the student who raised the issue and mentioned that the issue of domestic violence is important to bring up.
A spokesman for Leeds University Union, speaking on behalf of Leeds Boxing Society, said the comment was “misjudged and unacceptable” but that the society has learned from the incident and remains an inclusive space for all.
Some of the TikTok comments responding to the video said: “Domestic violence is not funny” and “Let the priest go”.
One student posted on Leeds University’s popular Facebook group LeedsFess saying: “#leedsfess31128 Men’s Mental Health Month apparently means it’s ok for certain sports clubs to joke about hitting women and then put it on social media…”
via Facebook
Billy, a student at the University of Leeds, whose name has been changed, told The Leeds Tab that he finds it disappointing that domestic violence can be trivialized to the point of being humorous, believing that such jokes contribute to the normalization of sexism.
Billy said: “I was particularly disappointed by this joke because I know someone who has experienced domestic violence and seen how it affects victims throughout their lives, but some immature young people still think it’s ok to joke about it.
“You’d never (at least I hope) see a society made up mainly of women joking about men (dying) suicide during Men’s Mental Health Month, so why is it okay to joke about domestic violence?”
The student believes that jokes like the one made by society “normalize misogynistic attitudes and present them as ‘okay'”.
Billy claimed he had been the recipient of sexist comments from other members of the Boxing Society in the past. She claimed that one night a male student told her: “That’s why women deserve to be spanked”.
“I think it just goes to show how deeply ingrained sexism is today. It’s so blatant that some people don’t even realize it’s bad,” Billy added.
Videos of the wedding ceremony via TikTok
The student said he was unsure if the culture was unique to the Boxing Society, but insisted he had never been the target of sexist comments from other organizations and knew of no one else who had.
However, not all Leeds students believe the joke should be considered offensive, with one student telling The Leeds Tab that society does not deserve to be punished for such language.
The student, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I saw TikTok for a while and didn’t think it was too bad.
“Maybe something that shouldn’t have been joked about, but I don’t think they deserve any punishment for that.”
A spokesman for Leeds University Union, speaking on behalf of Leeds Boxing Society, said: “Leeds Boxing Club is an inclusive space open to all and the club actively promotes female participation in its activities.
“On reflection, the club acknowledges that the comment was misjudged and unacceptable. They have learned from what happened and wish to reassure members and the wider student community that the club remains committed to being an inclusive society for all.”
A University of Leeds spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that Leeds is an inclusive and respectful space where everyone feels safe, valued and heard.”
A spokesman for Leeds Freestyle Dance Society said: “We would like to comment on the controversy surrounding our association with Leeds Boxing. society and a mean comment made during social media. We must make it abundantly clear that Freestyle Dance Please do not take jokes or remarks about domestic violence lightly, and we do not condone or support any comments made.
“Socially, we didn’t participate in the writing of the vows or the ‘ceremony’; we didn’t know these comments would be made and Freestyle can be heard disapproving.”
“We also want to say how important it is for victims of domestic violence to speak out. In a female-dominated way to societywe understand the importance of bringing up issues like this and appreciate the student who brought it up.
“We both a to society and individuals, have done and always will support everyone who comes forward, as well as those who don’t feel like they can.
“Finally, we are deeply sorry for any disruption the video may have caused. It has since been removed and we would like to reiterate that we absolutely do not condone any jokes or remarks ever made about domestic violence.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact the Leeds Domestic Violence Service 24/7 by calling 0113 246 0401.
You can also contact us contact the Samaritans at the number 116 123 at any time, Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393and Rauhallinen (Campaign against miserable life, men aged 15-35) on 0800 58 58 58.
Featured image via tiktok