What does our favourite former ‘Friends’ star have in common with Paul Henry? They’ve both been hauled over the coals for the use of the word “retard” on live television.
Talking about dressing up as Barbra Streisand for a photo shoot on US telly show ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’, Jennifer Aniston said, “Yes, I play dress-up! I do it for a living, like a retard!” The unfortunate comment has been slammed by advocates for those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Peter Berns of charitable organisation The Arc has slammed her use of the word “retard” as “extraordinarily offensive and inappropriate”. He says, “Frankly, someone in her position ought to know better. She is using language that is offensive to a large segment of the population… Every time folks hear that word, it kind of reminds them of all the discrimination and oppression they’ve experienced in their lives.”
“Sadly, people use the word pervasively, even if they don’t realise it,” adds Special olympics spokeswoman Kirsten Seckler. “People with intellectual disabilities have fought their whole lives for understanding and recognition. When people continue to use the R word, it’s hurtful.”
As well as ‘Breakfast’ host Paul, other celebs to have been slammed for their use of “the R word” include Lindsay Lohan and radio shock jock Howard Stern.
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