The incident took place along a central stretch of the Thames, a river that forms a defining part of London’s historic and cultural identity as it passes the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Tower Bridge. Within hours, the video drew thousands of reactions, ranging from ridicule to defence.
Several users criticised the act as inappropriate, with some mocking comparisons to rituals performed along the Ganga and Yamuna. Others argued that washing one’s feet posed no harm and that the online outrage was disproportionate. Hygiene concerns featured prominently in the backlash, with one user remarking that the river’s visibly murky water “is reason enough not to wash anything in it.” Another quipped, “Don’t wash your feet — people drink this water,” reflecting broader anxieties about cleanliness.
The controversy has also revived an ongoing discussion about pollution levels in the Thames. Recent investigations reported by The Guardian highlight a spike in E. coli levels and sewage contamination across several stretches of the river. Large accumulations of wet wipes and plastic waste have been discovered, including a mound near Hammersmith Bridge dubbed a “wet wipe island.”
Authorities have not commented on whether dipping one’s feet in the Thames violates any municipal rules. However, the episode has renewed calls for clearer guidelines on public conduct along the river and for accelerated efforts to tackle persistent pollution that continues to threaten London’s most recognisable waterway
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