After the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017, society has begun to reexamine past behavior that was once overlooked. Actions once dismissed as harmless are now being recognized as inappropriate, hostile, or even criminal.
A prime example is the controversy surrounding British motorcycle racer Shane Byrne, a six-time British Superbike Champion known as “Shakey.” While Byrne’s career and recovery from a near-fatal 2018 crash have made headlines, it’s an incident from 2013 that recently brought him under scrutiny.
Following a race victory that year, Byrne was filmed celebrating on the podium alongside two other racers and two female models. As the racers sprayed champagne, Byrne directed his bottle under one of the models’ skirts, dousing her with champagne. At the time, the act went unnoticed, but when the video resurfaced in 2021, it sparked widespread backlash. Many condemned Byrne’s actions as inappropriate, with some calling them sexual harassment.
“The situation is appalling,” one commenter wrote. “The victim can’t even defend herself without risking her career.”
“That’s sexual harassment without even touching,” another added. “Men always find ways to make women feel unsafe.”
Under mounting pressure, Byrne issued a public apology on April 2, 2021.
“I realize I ought to have made this apology earlier. Not doing so was completely wrong,” he said. “I would like to sincerely apologize to the lady and the other women on the podium that day. My behavior was completely inappropriate and unacceptable in every way. It is a moment I hugely regret.”
Despite his apology, reactions remained divided. Some saw it as too little, too late, while others defended Byrne, arguing that cancel culture had gone too far.
“F—ing world gone crazy when you have to apologize for something years ago!!” one supporter wrote.
Though Byrne’s racing career is over, he remains active as a sports manager and racing commentator. Whether this controversy will have a lasting effect on his career remains uncertain, but his case serves as a reminder: past actions can resurface when least expected.
