Calling White Middle-Aged Women Karen ‘Borders on Racism’
29th June 2025
Describing a middle-aged white woman as a “Karen” is borderline unlawful, a judge has said amid a bitter row at a mental health charity.
The slang term, used increasingly since the pandemic, refers to middle-aged white women who angrily rebuke those they view as socially inferior. Sitting in an employment tribunal, a judge has now said that the term is pejorative because it implies the woman is excessively and unreasonably demanding.
Use of the term started as an internet meme. It is also associated with excessive use of Facebook, opposition to vaccinations and having a blonde bob haircut.
Judge George Alliott made his remarks in a ruling on a claim brought by Sylvia Constance, a 74-year-old black charity worker who has accused bosses of targeting her because of her race and age. In what was described at a tribunal hearing in Watford as a “trenchant” complaint, female managers at Mencap were accused of acting “like the stereotypical Karen” by having “weaponised their privilege and more powerful position” against Constance.
“There is also something very sordid about the way in which white, female management have facilitated racism … [and given] a misogynistic, racist view of the black complainant,” the grievance said.
Alliott said the tribunal noted that Karen was “a pejorative and borderline racist, sexist and ageist term”.
Battle of the Victims! Place your bets, everybody!