Autism Group to CBS: Fire That Retard!

Some idiot on "Big Brother 9" has irked more people than usual by referring to people with autism as "retards." Moron.
Click to read the letter!
TMZ has obtained this letter from John Gilmore, Executive Director of Autism United, to Viacom bigwig Sumner Redstone and CBS, demanding that they take action after a segment aired on Wednesday's show featuring Adam Jasinski making the unfortunate remark. According to the letter, Gilmore claims CBS made a "conscious choice" in running the quote -- and used it for "their own personal goals."


The organization calls for "Big Brother 8" (oops) to be canceled, and expects an apology to people with autism. Gilmore also tells TMZ they've contacted the show's advertisers.

Reader Comments

(Page 7 of 19) Previous 15 Comments | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

91. Why in the world are the Autism Folks so upset? No one watches this ridiculous show .. so you go figure about 100 people actually heard the comment anyway. ------
100 people??? Sweetie you're waaaaay off! It's been on 9 seasons and there are bars all across the country that air it and have drink specials and nights devoted to it....seriously. I personally think this whole thing is a bit blown out of proportion but then again I don't know anyone personally afflicted with autism so I'll leave it alone.

Posted at 2:26PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Nia

92. Everyone has got to scream about everything, STOP!!!!!!!! Retarded means slow or slower, which technically = autism, it is slower for them to think or comprehend, granted there are more appropriate words to describe this, but the word retarded is in the dictionary. The only reason retarded is now considered incorrect is because it became a household name and was used negatively towards (stupid) people But retarded is retarded, if you say a person is slow, guess what means they are retarded. Way too much political crap.

Posted at 2:33PM on Feb 18th 2008 by offensive=overrated

93. As the mother of an autistic child (who happens to be also a literal genius with an IQ of far higher than most of society who can read, write, SPEAK, etc), I'm here to say that I'm not offended by what that moron had to say. There are plenty of morons in the world - WHATEVER. But, I AM offended that CBS didn't edit that out. Autism is so terribly misunderstood that all CBS did was help propogate the stereotypes even futher.

Posted at 2:32PM on Feb 18th 2008 by BRB

94. Taylor I agree....but you have to look at "intent" before you fly off the handle. He just said something stupid he shouldn't have. Haven't you? It's not like he was bashing these people...seriously...he just didn't think before he spoke. I see a difference, I'm sorry. Had "putting thme down" been his intention, I'd be outraged too.

Posted at 2:34PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Nia

95. Offensive=overrated....you need to go meet some autisitc people. Autistic people are FAR FROM SLOW. See - stereotypes. Educate yourself people!

Posted at 2:37PM on Feb 18th 2008 by BRB

96. Autism is not the tragedy- IGNORANCE IS!!! I have a 14 year old son with autism and deeply disgusted the comment made by this ignorant individual. I am also disgusted with the choice CBS made by airing it, and I will no longer watch the show. It would be great if people were educated about autism rather continuing to put a negative meaning to it. It is my hope that this ignorant person does not have a job to go back to when he returns to the "REAL WORLD."

Posted at 7:47PM on Mar 11th 2008 by Rhonda

97. I think anyone who thinks their sensibility is more important than right should apologize to all of America for having such a low regard for one of the liberties that DEFINES our nation. If you don't like it, too bad; turn the channel and shut up. You have NO RIGHT to comfort, none! I don't watch this show, but I have little use for over-sensitive whiners who think their thin skinned should limit other people's rights. Grow up and quit crying, and realize that in spite of what your parents may have deluded you into thinking, you are NOT that important.

Posted at 2:37PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Goon

98. My son is almost 3 and has autism. He is NOT retarded...in fact, he probably has a higher IQ than that ignorant a-hole!!!

Posted at 2:40PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Cyndi

99. 91. I think anyone who thinks their sensibility is more important than right should apologize to all of America for having such a low regard for one of the liberties that DEFINES our nation. If you don't like it, too bad; turn the channel and shut up. You have NO RIGHT to comfort, none! I don't watch this show, but I have little use for over-sensitive whiners who think their thin skinned should limit other people's rights. Grow up and quit crying, and realize that in spite of what your parents may have deluded you into thinking, you are NOT that important.

Posted at 2:37PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Goon

best comment!!!

Posted at 2:46PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Dr. Uga Booby Bongo

100. When you love someone who is disabled, you can speak. Until then, be very careful about how you address people. Yes, this is a free country. However, people shouldn't refer to minorities using racial slurs and the same rule should apply here. By your comments, you seem a little "slow". Would you like to be referred to as a retard? I think not. As relatives of people with autism we are fighting for acceptance, the words used in the show influence people to degrade all disabled people not just the autistic community.

Posted at 4:47PM on Feb 18th 2008 by marie

101. Apparently, all autistic children are geniuses. Hmmmmmm

Posted at 2:43PM on Feb 18th 2008 by observing

102. 12. how many times do you have to be told?
they're not retards....they're doughheads!!!

Posted at 12:21PM on Feb 18th 2008 by akbar
As a mother of a son with Autism, I found you AS offensive as the show. Please take the time to thank God every day that you wake up healthy, because you never know when an accident or illness of some sort or a car might plow you (or any children unlucky enough to spring from you) down and leave you with some form of brain damage or disability. Wonder how much you would appreciate remarks like yours then.

Posted at 2:46PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Marianne

103. 93. Apparently, all autistic children are geniuses. Hmmmmmm

Posted at 2:43PM on Feb 18th 2008 by observing
they just say that to make them feel better--Just like when you step in dog shi* you have good luck

Posted at 2:47PM on Feb 18th 2008 by Dr. Uga Booby Bongo

104. 96. 12. how many times do you have to be told?
they're not retards....they're doughheads!!!
?????????

Posted at 2:48PM on Feb 18th 2008 by billy booby

105. Most of us who read TMZ are fortunate to live in a country with freedom of speech. As a mother with a child with autism, I feel people should exercise that right. Parents like myself are not asking for political correctness, we ask for TOLERANCE. You have yourself to speak up for, we speak for those who are not able. Besides, I think it would only be fair because people with autism tolertate people like you everyday.

Posted at 5:55AM on Feb 19th 2008 by "oh brother"

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