Borussia Dortmund has found itself in hot water after a TikTok video posted on their account appeared to mock Welsh influencer Jessie Yendle’s stammer. The video transitioned from Yendle struggling with a word to a dance track featuring highlights of striker Serhou Guirassy. With over 3.5 million TikTok followers, Yendle has long been a vocal advocate for raising awareness around speech impediments, so the clip was a surprising misstep for the club.
After facing a backlash, including from Yendle herself, Dortmund quickly apologised, stating it was never their intention to offend or hurt anyone. They have since removed the video, which had amassed 765,000 views, and offered Yendle the chance to attend a Champions League match as a gesture of goodwill.
Ironman, a major organiser of triathlon events, also posted a similar video and has since apologised. They admitted their mistake and underscored their dedication to inclusion and working with athletes of all abilities.
Yendle, from Pontypridd, has earned a huge following for her courageous efforts in challenging stereotypes around stammering. Despite facing childhood bullying and setbacks, including missing an opportunity for her dream job, she continues to inspire many by sharing her journey on TikTok. She’s even taken on challenges like ordering at drive-throughs to break barriers and start conversations around speech difficulties.
Both organisations’ apologies highlight the ongoing need for sensitivity and understanding, especially when featuring content that relates to personal struggles. Yendle, known online as Mimidarlingbeauty, remains a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity and continues to change perceptions for those with speech impediments.
