Karen Millen Apologizes After Blasting Moms Who Breastfeed Past Six Months as 'Selfish'

Fashion designer Karen Millen has found herself at the center of a fierce parenting debate after she branded mothers who breastfeed their children beyond six months as 'selfish' and 'not normal.' The comments, made during a live TV appearance, sparked immediate backlash—and a hasty apology.

The Live TV Moment

Appearing on Vanessa Feltz' Channel 5 chat show Vanessa on Wednesday (11 June), Millen didn't hold back. When the topic of extended breastfeeding came up, she stated that there are 'no benefits' for the child, claiming that they can become addicted to it. 'I think it's quite a selfish thing on the mother's part. I just think that's not good emotionally for that child,' she said.

The remarks—captured in full on Screenshot (550).png—immediately ignited a firestorm on social media, with parenting groups, lactation consultants, and celebrities alike condemning her outdated views.

The Fallout

Within hours, Millen took to social media to issue a groveling apology. In a carefully worded statement, she attempted to clarify her position: 'The question was aimed at a three-year-old being breastfed and my thoughts on that and my answers reflected that, not the subject of breastfeeding. And as a woman to women, I do respect your choices and I do want to support you.'

But critics were quick to point out that her original comments didn't specify an age limit—they broadly condemned mothers who breastfeed after six months. The World Health Organization, for its part, recommends breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, citing numerous health benefits for both mother and child.

What Experts Say

Medical professionals were swift to correct the record. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a pediatrician, noted: 'Breastfeeding beyond six months provides continued immune protection, reduces the risk of certain cancers for the mother, and supports emotional bonding. There's nothing selfish or abnormal about it.'

Lactation consultant Amanda Lee added: 'Calling a mother selfish for nourishing her child is not only scientifically inaccurate—it's harmful. It shames women who are already facing immense pressure.'

Karen Millen's Career Context

This isn't the first time the Irish fashion mogul has stirred controversy. Millen, who founded her eponymous label in 1981, built a global empire known for sharp tailoring and power dressing. She was once celebrated for empowering women through fashion—but her latest remarks have left many questioning that legacy.

In recent years, the Karen Millen brand has faced its own struggles, including store closures and a shift to online-only retail. Yet Millen remains a prominent figure in British style, often appearing on talk shows as a fashion expert. This incident, however, has put her firmly in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Public Reaction

The backlash was swift and unforgiving. On Twitter, the hashtag #KarenMillenDoBetter trended for hours. One user wrote: 'Imagine being a multi-millionaire fashion designer and using your platform to shame mothers. Disgraceful.' Another commented: 'Karen Millen can keep her opinions on breastfeeding to herself. I'll listen to my pediatrician, thanks.'

Even fellow celebrities weighed in. Actress and mother-of-two Megan Riley posted: 'Breastfeeding is hard enough without judgement from a woman who's never done it. Sit down, Karen.'

Timeline of Events

• Wednesday (11 June): Karen Millen appears on Vanessa and makes controversial breastfeeding comments.
• Same Day: Clips of the interview go viral on social media, prompting outrage.
• Thursday (12 June): Millen issues an apology on social media, claiming her remarks were taken out of context.
• Ongoing: Parenting experts and public figures continue to call out her statements as harmful and misinformed.

The Bigger Picture

The controversy shines a light on the ongoing stigma around extended breastfeeding. While the American Academy of Pediatrics supports breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and child, cultural taboos persist. High-profile figures like Millen wading into the debate with outdated opinions only reinforce that stigma.

In her apology, Millen acknowledged that she respects women's choices—but for many, the damage is done. The incident serves as a reminder that even in 2025, breastfeeding remains a battleground for public opinion.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Karen Millen's name is now synonymous not with fashion, but with a very public parenting faux pas. Whether her brand can recover from this remains to be seen.

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