Laurence Fox shows off Covid face mask ‘exemption badge’ he bought from Amazon
Laurence Fox #LaurenceFox
Laurence Fox sparked a row today after posting a photo of himself on social media wearing a coronavirus mask ‘exemption badge’ that he ordered from Amazon.
The actor and political activist, 42, who has repeatedly challenged lockdown restrictions, shared the photo on Twitter on Friday beneath a post in which he appears to mock people who wear face masks.
He was seen wearing a badge which read ‘I am exempt from wearing a face covering’. In smaller letters, it added: ‘Be kind. Keep your distance. Thank you for understanding.’
Mr Fox wrote above the image: ‘After a long period of consultation with myself, an extended review period and proper due diligence conducted with myself, I’ve received the badge that I ordered from Amazon. Thank you for being there for me. #anxiety’.
Mr Fox’s post has since been ‘liked’ nearly 2,000 times and has been retweeted by more than 600 other Twitter users.
But some many were critical of the actor for sharing the image and writing the post, with one saying his ‘stance’ was ‘disappointing’.
A pack of two of the ‘badges’ is on sale on Amazon for £11.
Rules on face masks include that they must be worn on public transport and in shops and supermarkets.
Some people don’t have to wear one if they have a valid exemption, such as it causing them severe distress or because of a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability – and they do not have to carry proof.
One critical user responded by saying: ‘Not sure at all why you are taking this stance Laurence but I think its disappointing.
‘Lets all get with the programme and not undermine the best efforts of the govs and our people for doing the right thing.
‘Try sending the right message out.’
Another wrote: ‘I have severe lung fibrosis as a result of sarcoidosis. I’m extremely vulnerable to the virus.
‘I have l limited lung function but wish everyone would wear a mask, like I do whenever I go out. What’s your excuse for putting me at risk?’
However, one supportive user said they had bought a pack of 4 masks for £13 from Amazon and said they had ‘annoyed the mask zealots’.
Another branded his post ‘superb’.
It comes after Mr Fox tearfully branded the Government ‘a disgrace’ for shutting schools earlier this month after a new national lockdown was imposed.
Mr Fox, who recently set up political party Reclaim, was choked with emotion as he said he thought kids deserved an education.
And he said it would reduce children’s opportunities and questioned if they would soon forget what ‘school was for’.
Mr Fox said: ‘I’m furious with the Government.
‘I don’t think our children deserve this and I think they are doing this for political reasons, sorry to be emotional.
‘I think they are doing it for political reasons, I don’t think they are doing it for the sake of our children and I think on principle, our children deserve an education they deserve it, it’s our duty to provide it to them at any cost.
‘We are taking out the liver of a young, healthy child and giving it to an old person or a vulnerable person.’
In November, he was criticised for having what he called a ‘large group’ of friends over for lunch – despite England’s lockdown rules then banning people from meeting indoors, or outdoors in groups larger than six.
Where do you have to wear a face covering in England under law?
Here is a list of where face masks must be worn in England. Some of the venues are closed under law:
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