A Leeds mum has hit out at 'cruel' parents who openly laughed at her 11-year-old daughter's choice of prom outfit.
Mischa Parker from Morley, aged 11, was mocked by the parents of her classmates for deciding to wear a suit to her primary school prom.
She was reported "really excited" about her dickie bow, smart black jacket, and trouser combo, that is until parents at her school ruined her night with cruel comments.
Chaperoning mums and dads at the event allegedly starting laughing at her and calling her "suit girl" which was enough to ruin the poor girl's night and call her self-esteem into question.
Poor Mischa was so upset by the name-calling from the adults that she called her mum to come and pick her up from the prom early.
Mischa Parker pictured with her mum Tamara and her brother Tom / Image: Tamara Auty / SWNS
Her mum has since hit out at those responsible, calling their behaviour "disgusting."
"When I was 11 I had no idea who I was, but Mischa has always known who she is and what she likes," said mum Tamara.
"I’d taken her shopping the day before and she was really excited trying it on. She was a bit nervous hoping nobody laughed at her.
"I just think that children should be allowed to express themselves - why should my daughter be made to feel bad about the way she likes to dress?
"Why try and knock a child down for that?"
Mischa had picked out the outfit herself with a little help and encouragement from her mum, Tamara Auty, at H&M ready for her prom at Fountain Primary School.
Tamara said: "She did end up going into the boys' section and got a dickie bow as they suited her a bit more.
Bolstered with praise from her family, who thought she looked great in her smart suit combo, Mischa started to get excited for the party - putting on mascara and having her mum do her hair.
Tamara said: "I’d straightened her hair for her, she’d put a bit of mascara on, nails painted black and normally she doesn’t bother with makeup or do anything with her hair.
"She was a little bit nervous but felt really good, she really liked the suit."
Reflecting on what had happened, mum Tamara said:
"I think it was an attack on her individuality, I work in mental health myself I just think it was really disgusting."
"Me at eleven, I had no idea who I was, but Mischa has always known who she is and what she likes."
Feature image - Image: Tamara Auty / SWNS.
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
9th August 2021 
