Hi, I'm Georgina Cox.
In May 2020, following a conversation with my own little sister about her body image and why she felt she couldn't wear shorts, I decided to create this slogan and post it on Instagram to help any other women struggling with their body image during a very tough lockdown.
The post resonated with so many women during what was an extremely difficult time, and it was shared thousands of times, by celebrities and media outlets like Cosmopolitan magazine, articles were written about it and it even featured on Loose Women!
It's something I was incredibly proud of, knowing I'd helped so many women to accept their body
When Sweaty Betty first got in touch for permission to launch a 'Wear the Damn Shorts' campaign, I genuinely jumped at the chance because I thought they we're an honest company with good intentions.
Then when they launched a second campaign i couldn't believe it. They even got me involved to promote it! Here were MY words, on store windows, on official websites and all over social media.
Sadly that's where it ended. Sweaty Betty then launched a third marketing campaign, but did not seek my consent.
I immediately revoked my permission, and sent a cease and desist but they went ahead with it anyway.
I was utterly heartbroken. Not only is this immoral, but I also believe they are breaking the law. Laws written to protect us from big companies taking the work of regular people
I feel completely betrayed that they continue to profit off my work and I soon realised it wasn't about celebrating women at all. It was simply about money.
I believe Sweaty Betty have made tens of millions of pounds in sales, resulting from my work
They have threatened a defamation lawsuit for talking about my experience but I will not be silenced any longer. They can take my words. But they will not take my voice
To date, we've poured all of our £25,000 savings into legal action in an attempt to get justice from this company.
Please help in any way you can: Funds raised will be used towards our legal bills, fighting any defamation claim from Sweaty Betty for speaking out and taking them to court to make them answer for what they have done
And to hopefully stop big companies taking advantage of women in future
Any unused funds will go to Rubies. An incredible charity who I volunteer with, to improve the lives of young girls going through a very tough time.
Please help,
Georgina
Organizer
Georgina Cox
Organizer
England