‘Sheep noises’: Woolies apologises after workers’ alleged stunt

A mum has claims she was taunted by supermarket staff for wearing a face mask while doing her grocery shopping.

An Aussie mum has received an apology from Woolworths after staff in one store allegedly taunted her for wearing a face mask.

Nicola Leach claimed staff made “sheep noises” at her while she shopped in a Victorian store.

“Your staff just made sheep noises at me in your store because I am wearing a mask,” she said in a tweet addressing the company earlier this week.

“I was in the dairy aisle, and three men were stacking fridges. As I got close, one of them made sheep noises at the back of my head.”

A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed it is aware of the claim and is investigating with the team involved. The company stressed it is taking the claim seriously.

Nicola Leach was stunned at Woolies workers’ sheep noises.

Woolworths is looking into the incident. Picture: Nikki Short

It’s understood the sheep noises may be in reference to Ms Leach’s decision to wear a face mask. It is an insult that has become common among those who oppose vaccines and Covid-19 protection measures.

It generally insinuates a person is one of a flock of sheep, mindlessly following public health orders.

In fact, her tweet sparked a furious health debate and drew insults, with plenty even praising the workers’ alleged actions.

Ms Leach on Thursday revealed Woolworths has been in touch to apologise and informed her it was looking into the alleged incident.

“Thank you Woolworths for getting back to me about my complaint. I have received an apology, and they are speaking with the store in question. I appreciate all of this,” she said.