Boy Dressed as Christian Grey Not Allowed to Pose for a Class Photograph

A mother has defended her decision to send her son to school in a Fifty Shades of Grey costume for World Book Day after he was reportedly barred from celebrations. Liam Scholes, 11, wore a suit and carried cable ties as he dressed as Christian Grey from the explicit book, which is famous for its sex scenes involving bondage.

However, his mother said he was told he would not be allowed to pose for a class photograph or take part in other activities at Sale High School, in Sale, Greater Manchester, because it was “inappropriate”.

Nicola Scholes, herself a primary school teacher, criticized the school for its actions – arguing the costume was not worse than those of fictional serial killers. “The cable ties were tiny and not enough to do anything with them,” the 36-year-old told the Manchester Evening News. “We didn’t think there would be a problem.

“I got a phone call home from the school saying the outfit was inappropriate and that he had been excluded from taking part or being in any of the photographs. “I and the teacher agreed to disagree and it’s not being taken any further, but I was disappointed for Liam that he’d been stopped from taking part and that he’s had a dressing down.”

Speaking on Friday morning, Ms Scholes insisted she does not regret her son’s outfit. “He’s a character that has been put out there on the television and all aspects of media,” she told ITV1’s Good Morning Britain. “Every child at the age of 11 knows who he was. He walked into school yesterday and every child knew who he was. “I don’t think he’s gone as something that has not been accessible to children of his age before.”

Liam said: “He’s the character that has been talked about the most in the past few years and he’s just been everywhere you go.” He added: “I think it’s the content of the book that might (make) people think that it’s inappropriate. But I went into school as Christian Grey just for a laugh, not anything else.”

However, Lynn Nicholls, the school’s head teacher, said: “The school stands by the decision it made yesterday in relation to the costume worn by one of its students to World Book Day.

“The decision reflects the school’s high standards in terms of student behavior, welfare and safeguarding.” The student was not excluded from taking part in any of the activities as has been wrongly reported. His costume was modified and he was then able to fully participate and enjoy the day with his peers.

“The aim of our World Book Day events was to celebrate and encourage reading and we are disappointed that what was a fantastic day for our students has been marred by this issue.” After Ms Scholes posted a picture on Twitter of Liam in his costume, fellow social network users reacted to the outfit.