Fashion designer Karen Millen under fire for ‘selfish’ breastfeeding comment, issues apology

British fashion designer Karen Millen sparked strong reactions this week following a controversial remark on Channel 5’s Vanessa talk show. Discussing breastfeeding beyond infancy, Millen referred to mothers nursing past six months as “selfish.”

What happened?

While on Vanessa, host Vanessa Feltz asked Millen about breastfeeding a three-year-old, prompted by a US mother who went viral for doing just that. Millen replied:


“There’s no benefit, is there, for a child to be breastfed beyond six months really. I think it’s quite a selfish thing on the mother’s part.”

“I just think that’s not good emotionally for that child, The attachment, it become an addiction, they only know the boob.”

“It’s just not normal, is it? I’m sorry, I find it very weird.”

Immediate reaction

Millen’s words struck a nerve. Many mothers and parenting advocates defended extended breastfeeding, citing both emotional bonding and nutritional benefits. A surge of online commentary pointed out that weaning is a personal choice shaped by culture, health, and family needs.

Numerous voices emphasised that sustained breastfeeding can be both loving and empowering for mother and child.

Karen Millen’s apology

Taking to social media, Millen clarified her remarks:

“The question was aimed at a three‑year‑old being breastfed, and my thoughts on that, not the subject of breastfeeding. And as a woman to woman, I do respect your choices and I do want to support you.”

She expressed regret for any offence caused, emphasising that her comments were judged out of context and were never meant to belittle mothers.

Expert and community responses

While some accepted her apology, others said it didn’t go far enough. Parenting experts stress there is a wide scientific consensus that breastfeeding after six months, alongside complementary foods, continues to be beneficial well into toddlerhood. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to two years or longer, as mutually desired.

On social media, many mothers shared deeply personal stories of extended nursing easing emotional transitions, aiding health recovery, or strengthening family bonds. One mother wrote:

“I breastfed until I went back to work at nearly two years... it was comfort and nutrition together.”

Karen Millen’s intention may have been to weigh in on a sensitive parenting issue. Yet her words underscored how quickly public figures can be caught in emotional, personal subjects.