This Morning viewers have spoken out in the defence of a boy who went viral after he chose to wear a dress to his prom. Korben White's photos from the special occasion were spread far and wide after he caught the attention of classmates and teachers at his Norfolk school.
The 16-year-old arrived at the end-of-school event in a floor-length red sequined gown that he likened to Billy Porter's Met Gala look and certainly stole the show. Korben and his mum, Nina, appeared on the ITV daytime show on Thursday (July 14) to chat to Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary about the reaction to his prom look.
Wearing the striking red and white sparkly outfit, the teen said: "I've always been feminine. Dressing up in my cousins' dresses, playing with Barbies... I just knew I wanted to wear a dress when it came to prom."
His mother, Nina, was responsible for posting the now-viral images and shared with the hosts why she decided to show her son off to the world.
"We were so excited about it because Korben didn't tell anyone what he was wearing," she said. "I wanted to make it feel special for him and show who he really is so we got him the suit and the most amazing bit for me was the reaction from all his friends at school who all cheered and clapped and to feel that level of acceptance was incredible.
"I believe if you let your children be who they are you'll get the best out of them." Korben added: “Yeah, I’m so blessed to have such supportive friends and family so to be accepted was amazing."
Sharing an inspirational message to viewers, he went on to say: "To be an ordinary boy in a dress was amazing and shows you don’t have to be feminine or masculine. Find a supportive system of friends, teachers and family who support you and let you be yourself."
But Nina did have some reservations at first: "I was nervous because I didn't expect to get the support I did. If I told him not to wear a dress I'd fail him as a parent because I'm preventing him from living an authentic life. I'm happy he's happy and for all the support."
Alison and Dermot were both in awe of the school leaver before surprising Korben with a message from two of his idol, RuPaul's Drag Race stars Kitty Scott-Claus and The Vivienne. The pair sent a video message of support to Korben leaving him blown away. "It meant everything, I look up to a lot of the queens and their representation and to have a message from two fantastic incredible queens was fabulous," he said when asked what he thought of the surprise.
Korben's appearance, however, did get This Morning viewers with some 'nasty comments' floating around. But others were quick to hit back and share their positive thoughts on the teen and his amazing outlook. @muppyjokin tweeted: "Well done Korben and his beautiful supportive Mom. As she said… be kind and be nice and that’s all that’s important! #ThisMorning."
@MultiHuns wrote: "The comments under #ThisMorning about a literal CHILD are disgusting. Leave him alone, he's not bothering you or anyone else. Let him life his fabulous life! Don't destroy his confidence just because you are insecure!" @DavidMackayy shared: "All of these negative comments on the #thismorning hashtag - grow up and let the boy be who he wants to be, at least he’ll be far happier than you will ever be."
@Boppity_Boo34 hit back: "There’s some s**t comments on here about this lad what’s he doing to hurt you get back to the 1950s you absolute morons #ThisMorning." @Cogs39 added: "Lovely to see Korben wearing exactly what he wanted to his prom. How lucky to have such a supportive mum. Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same. #ThisMorning."
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