Jennifer Aniston R Word Controversy

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LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- The former “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston has landed herself in new controversy for using R word in “Live With Regis and Kelly”. The actress, who was promoting her new movie “The Switch” on the US chat show has been criticized by disability groups after using the word in reference to a recent photo shoot in which she posed as Barbra Streisand. Her use of the word “retard” offended many international organization for people who have physical and intellectual disability like Special Olympics, The Arc.

In reference to the Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot, Jennifer Aniston used the R word when she replied to a question from co-host Regis Philbin in the program saying that she dresses up for her living, like a “retard”. Jennifer Aniston’s R word has created a lot of controversy and The Special Olympics and the advocacy group The Arc each expressed their displeasure with the actress’ choice of word. Peter Berns, the chief executive officer of The Arc, said the use of the word was highly offensive and “inappropriate”. He also mentioned that every-time the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities hear the word, it reminds them of all the discrimination and oppression they have experienced in their lives. The CEO also said that even if the actress did not mean to insult these people, he feels that is the outcome of her statement.

Jennifer Aniston’s use of the word “retard” was also criticized by Special Olympics and the representative of the organization said that it is always “disappointing” when the R word is used, especially from someone who is influential to the society. The spokesperson also added that the “pervasive” use of R-word dehumanizes people with intellectual disabilities and prolongs the existence of painful “stereotypes”.