ss Bella Ramsey has directly slammed Mothercare, declaring “NOT ALL MOTHERS ARE FEMALE” and demanding the brand change its name immediately to be more “inclusive.”

In a story that has rapidly gone viral across social media platforms, actor Bella Ramsey—best known for their roles in Game of Thrones and HBO’s The Last of Us—has reportedly criticized the long-standing British retailer Mothercare, demanding an immediate name change to make it more “inclusive.” According to circulating reports, Ramsey argued that the brand’s name is outdated because “not all mothers are female.” The actor, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, highlighted that modern families include non-binary parents, transgender parents, and fathers who assume primary caregiving roles traditionally associated with motherhood.

The controversy erupted late in December 2025, with screenshots and memes of Ramsey’s supposed statement spreading like wildfire on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Threads.

One widely shared image featured a bold headline: “NOT ALL MOTHERS ARE FEMALE” — Bella Ramsey HAS BLASTED MOTHERCARE DEMANDING THEY CHANGE THEIR NAME IMMEDIATELY TO BE MORE ‘INCLUSIVE’. Accompanied by a photo of the young actor, the post quickly amassed millions of views, reposts, and heated comments.

Supporters hailed Ramsey’s stance as a necessary step toward recognizing diverse family structures in an evolving society, while critics accused the actor of overreach and erasing the biological and cultural significance of womanhood.

Ramsey’s comments, as reported, emphasized the need for language and branding to reflect contemporary realities. “Not all parents who give care identify as female,” the actor allegedly stated.

“Families can include non-binary parents, trans parents, and fathers who take on traditionally maternal roles.” This perspective aligns with broader discussions on gender inclusivity, where advocates argue that terms rooted in binary gender norms can alienate those who don’t fit traditional molds.

Proponents of Ramsey’s view point to the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ families, including same-sex couples adopting children or transgender individuals becoming parents.

They contend that a brand like Mothercare, which specializes in maternity and baby products, should adapt to avoid excluding potential customers who perform “mothering” roles without identifying as women.

On the other side, detractors have been vocal and uncompromising. Many argue that the word “mother” is inherently tied to female biology—the act of gestation, birth, and often primary nurturing in human history. “Every mother is female.

It’s kind of the requirement,” one viral comment read, echoing a common sentiment among critics. Others dismissed the call for a name change as absurd, suggesting alternatives like “Parentcare” or “Caregivercare” in mocking tones.

Some went further, labeling the demand as an attack on women’s experiences and a symptom of “woke” culture run amok. Forums and social media threads overflowed with frustration: “Why erase mothers to appease a tiny minority?” one user asked.

Another pointed out that Mothercare, a brand founded in 1961, has deep cultural roots in the UK, evoking nostalgia for generations of women who shopped there during pregnancy and early parenthood.

The backlash has also taken personal turns, with some commenters targeting Ramsey’s non-binary identity. The actor, who came out publicly in 2023 and has spoken openly about gender fluidity, has faced scrutiny before—for their appearance, acting choices, and advocacy.

This incident has reignited debates about celebrity influence on social issues, with critics questioning why a 22-year-old star feels entitled to dictate changes to a historic brand. “Bella Ramsey can identify however they want, but forcing everyone else to rewrite language is narcissistic,” one post declared.

Mothercare itself has remained silent on the matter. The retailer, which faced financial difficulties and closed its UK high street stores years ago (now operating primarily online and through partnerships like Boots), has not issued any public response.

This lack of commentary has only fueled speculation—some wonder if the company is quietly assessing the situation, while others see the silence as a refusal to engage with what they call manufactured outrage.

At its core, this flashpoint revives a longstanding culture-war battle over language, identity, and inclusivity. On one hand, advocates for gender-neutral terminology argue that society must evolve.

Terms like “chestfeeding” instead of “breastfeeding” or “birthing parent” instead of “mother” have already entered some medical and institutional guidelines, aiming to include trans men who give birth or non-binary individuals. Supporters say this fosters empathy and reduces stigma in diverse families.

Data from organizations like Stonewall and GLAAD show growing acceptance of non-traditional gender identities, with younger generations leading the charge.

Conversely, opponents view these changes as an erasure of sex-based realities, particularly for women. Feminist voices, including some gender-critical activists, argue that redefining “mother” dilutes the specific experiences of female biology—pregnancy, childbirth, and the societal expectations placed on women.

They worry that inclusivity efforts inadvertently prioritize transgender and non-binary individuals at the expense of women’s rights and recognition. High-profile debates, such as those surrounding JK Rowling’s comments on sex and gender, have similarly divided public opinion.

This isn’t the first time a celebrity’s remarks on inclusivity have sparked uproar. Similar controversies have arisen over gender-neutral bathrooms, pronouns in schools, and inclusive language in media. Ramsey’s alleged intervention fits into this pattern, amplifying questions about where progress ends and overreach begins.

Is updating a brand name a harmless nod to modernity, or does it unnecessarily complicate established norms?

Social media reactions remain sharply polarized.

Progressive users praise Ramsey for using their platform to push for change: “Branding should evolve with society—good on Bella for speaking up!” Traditionalists counter with sarcasm and anger: “Next, they’ll rename Father’s Day because not all dads are male?” Memes abound, from photoshopped images of rebranded stores to exaggerated predictions of a fully gender-neutral world.

As 2025 draws to a close, this story underscores the ongoing tension between tradition and transformation. While opinions are divided—perhaps irreconcilably—the conversation it has ignited shows no signs of fading.

Whether Mothercare will ever consider a rebrand remains unseen, but one thing is clear: debates over what constitutes a “mother” in the 21st century are far from over.

In a world where family structures are diversifying—through adoption, surrogacy, IVF, and LGBTQ+ parenting—the push for inclusive language challenges us all to reconsider long-held assumptions.

Ramsey’s reported stance, whether fully accurate or amplified by viral distortion, forces a reckoning: Can we honor biological truths while embracing gender diversity? Or must one yield to the other? As reactions pour in, the divide reveals deeper societal fault lines, reminding us that words carry weight, and changes to them can feel profoundly personal.