Karens across the country want a 'humiliating' new range of gifts and cards to be removed from the shelves.
Over the last couple of years, the name 'Karen' has become associated with someone who behaves in a privileged manner, demanding to speak to the manager when dissatisfied with service and often seen as those who enjoy talking down to people or belittling service staff.
But now, furious Karens are upset with a range of Karen-themed items - such as a pens, badges, cards and a mug that reads ‘shut the f*** up Karen’ - which they say subjects them to ridicule.
Advert
Karen Lewis, 45, from Leeds said: “Being labelled in this way I find annoying as I don't think I'm such a Karen really.
"In my opinion, saying that all Karens fit the stereotype is a form of public humiliation and this range of products, although it’s meant to be funny, supports this.
"It can be quite offensive in everyday situations, such as when people think it’s okay to call out your name for no reason other than they find it amusing.
"If anything, the whole Karen movement has actually made me more self-conscious if I do complain about anything now, so I’m far less inclined to do it!”
Yorkshire-based company Love Layla has been producing the ‘Karen’ themed items, which includes a card that reads ‘Hello My Name is Karen. Please can I speak to your manager?’
Advert
Love Layla founder Stacey Dennis said her firm has received angry calls and messages from Karens online.
"We've had lots of messages from raging Karens, sometimes demanding to speak to management to complain that we are selling items bearing their name," said Stacey.
"Some will no doubt have been sent or gifted the items by friends or colleagues as a bit of a laugh, which after the last 18 months, is something we all need desperately.
"They seem to think that our products are insulting and rude towards them. We just see it as a bit of fun – as do our customers who have cleaned us out of stock on one Karen item on two occasions already.”
Advert
Love Layla has set up an email address for any upset Karens to complain to: [email protected].
Yikes!
Featured Image Credit: SWNS