Latest news with #ableism
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Activist who uses a wheelchair accuses doctor of 'pitying' her for having a disability
An influencer who uses a wheelchair has publicly criticised a doctor for 'pitying' her as a disabled person. Sophie Bradbury-Cox, who has almost 37,000 followers on Instagram, posted about the 'annoying' exchange with a GP that took place at the weekend. The mother-of-one, from Northamptonshire, was born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition which causes certain muscles to become weak and waste away. Known as Fashion Bellee online, where she creates content about 'disabled fashion, travel and Disney', Sophie is unable to walk or stand as a result of her SMA. She uses a wheelchair full-time and has previously spoken on The I Can't Stand Podcast about how it is part of her identity. In a post published on Wednesday, Sophie called out the 'ableism' of the doctor that she spoke to regarding a repeat prescription. She explained: 'Spoke to a doctor on the phone at the weekend about getting a repeat prescription and I just happened to mention I was a wheelchair user.' According to Sophie, when she told the doctor that she uses a wheelchair, he asked: 'What do you have?' The doctor replied: 'Oh, I am so sorry to hear that, your life must be very difficult.' Remaining upbeat, Sophie added: 'Nope. Sometimes access etc. can be frustrating but I live my life as fully as I can!' In response, he said: 'It's great to hear that you are positive about it'. Angered and shocked by the exchange, the content creator described the doctor's behaviour as 'pitying'. She vented her frustration on Instagram, writing: 'Why as disabled people do we need pitying?! And from a doctor too? It's just so annoying!' In the caption to her post, she elaborated, adding: 'I was gobsmacked!! Just did not expect to have this conversation at all with a doctor. 'Though I guess nothing should shock me when it comes to ableism and disability!!' Viewers were quick to comment on Sophie's post, often sharing similar experiences, but not everyone was sympathetic - and some people were openly condescending. She saw it as an example of 'ableism' and explained it left her 'gobsmacked' One person suggested the influencer was being petty, writing: 'You are lucky you were able to actually speak to them, especially at the weekend'. While another insisted: 'It's not pity. It's support.' Other disabled people reported comparable treatment, with one person explaining: 'I had that from an A&E nurse [and it] put me off her INSTANTLY! 'She was like, "I'm sure that's incredibly hard for you..." I said, "No, actually".' Someone else added: 'My daughter had Down's syndrome and we've heard "sorry" too many times (especially from medical professionals). 'Disability isn't the tragedy, people's attitude to it is'. While a third reported an equally frustrating experience, writing: 'Yep, ridiculous! A GP the other day suggested that I take up a hobby like sewing...(I have complete muscle wasting/paralysis in my hands)...' A fourth person lamented: 'I'm kind of shocked that you were shocked. 'Sadly, I hear that so often and pretty much always have. 'I'm sorry that you had to hear it, though... especially as you're not used to that kind of dialogue from medical professionals.' Instagram users were quick to comment on Sophie's post - though not everyone was sympathetic A fifth stated: 'That's absolutely absurd! Especially from a doctor too.' Yet, one Instagrammer disagreed with Sophie taking aim at the doctor for what she described as 'pitying' behaviour. They explained: 'Sorry. I'm disabled but I hardly hear anyone acknowledge how hard it is. 'I wish some did. But we don't and cannot allow it simply because most people take advantage of it.'
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Celeb SAS line up huge Brit TikTok star with 4 million followers – despite backlash over ‘ableism' row
CELEBRITY SAS: Who Dares Wins bosses have signed up a huge British TikTok star with 4 million followers - despite backlash over past comments in an 'ableism' row. Comedian Jack Joseph, 25, is set to take part in the hit Channel 4 show, which puts celebs through gruelling military-style challenges. 4 A source said: "Channel 4 is keen to attract a younger audience and a content creator like Jack has a huge following with that demographic. "But his past comments on disability were controversial and it's not a good look for a station that prides itself on inclusivity." Jack faced criticism after posting a comedic sketch where he mimicked someone using a wheelchair - using stereotyped behavior and language that disabled viewers and advocates described as offensive. TikTok users flagged it as ableist, accusing him of mocking disabilities rather than satirizing broader issue. The backlash prompted conversations and response videos from disability advocates on the platform. While Jack appears to have deleted the post, it didn't come with a public apology or explanation - leaving fans unsatisfied. Recently, TikTok's search results show his name still trending with phrases like 'Jack Joseph apology ableism' and 'Jack Joseph ableism reaction,' suggesting that viewers are still calling for clarity or accountability. This latest news comes after The Sun revealed how former Love Island star Dani Dyer would also be part of the line-up for the new series. England cricketing hero Graeme Swann is being lined to appear on the next series too. SHOW SHAKE-UP We exclusively revealed how Celebrity SAS is set for a major shake-up too, with the new series set to take place in a new location. A show insider said: 'Last series, there was a bit of a cash crisis at Channel 4 so the series shunned exotic locales and filmed in Wales. "Bosses made it work but it felt like it wasn't on as big a scale as when they have filmed in foreign climes, so for the next series, execs are blowing the budget and pushing the boat out to film in Marrakech instead. "It's more expensive but will look amazing on camera.' The Sun has contacted Channel 4 for comment. Who is Jack Joseph? Jack Joseph is a British TikTok content creator who has amassed over 4million followers. Born on April 6, 2000, in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, the TikTok sensation now lives in the seaside resort of Brighton. Who is Jack Joseph on TikTok The content creator is best known for his hilarious point-of-view styled videos, in which he plays characters like American Bully and Undercover Fed. Jack often collaborates with his friends to create relatable characters in online comedic sketches. Although American Bully and Undercover Fed are characters that appear regularly in his posts, other comedy themes include football fanatics, relationships and the funny side of being a kid. Speaking on the What's Good? podcast, Jack admitted where and who he derives the inspiration to create his online characters: He said: "All of my characters are based on people from my school. "The Undercover Fed, Brighton is full of people like that," he confessed. 4 4 His daily video's are posted to his TikTok page @jackjos3ph and Instagram using the same username. Does Jack Joseph have a girlfriend? Jack's girlfriend is Annabel Parker. He has been dating the former Sussex university student since around 2020. The couple regularly share loved up selfies on Instagram, as well as feature in each others point-of-view video's on TikTok. On his birthday in 2024, Annabel shared a lift selfie of them both wearing matching trainers and captioned it: "Happy Birthday to the other half of me. You have the kindest heart. "I love you always xx." You can follow Annabel on Instagram @annabelparker_. Does Jack Joseph have a YouTube channel? Jack also has a YouTube channel alongside his TikTok account but has admitted in the past that he's not as active on there as he'd like to be. Speaking again as a guest on the What's Good? podcast in 2021 he admitted: "For the past year I've been thinking I need to get on YouTube. "I don't know what to do. YouTube 's difficult. "I want to get into YouTube because, well, there's money in it. There's no money in TikTok." Jack used his YouTube channel to announce he has started a 90 Day Transformation Challenge, as a response to some experience of fat-shaming online. He admits: "I haven't been looking after myself over the past couple of years. "Mainly due to adopting bad habits. "I've been vaping, eating bad food, not exercising and procrastinating on work. "Although these things might seem minor in moderation, when you let it snowball it does have a massive mental and physical health. "However, the best part is it's never too late to change. "So I've had an idea. I'm going to do a 90-day transformation." Jack urges his followers to join him in taking on the health challenge, while posting regular updates on his process to inspire others. 4
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fighters review – rage-inducing study of the barriers to participation in sport for disabled people
This hour-long documentary about disabled life and ableism co-directed by campaigner Michael Grimmett isn't merely 'inspirational'; it's also an articulate catalogue of persisting prejudices against disabled people in the UK today, thanks to contributions from influencer Isaac Harvey, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Grimmett himself. What's ironic about the many instances detailed here of how daily life still excludes them is that being part of daily life is exactly what most disabled people wish to be; not visible, not exceptional. That said, Fighters does choose a focal point: the struggle of lower-limb amputee boxer Matt Edwards to gain approval from sport's authorities to take part in amateur boxing bouts. Training and sparring have been a lifesaver for him; after losing a leg aged 19 in a road traffic collision, he fell into addiction. But with the boxing authorities refusing to let him compete, Edwards is forced to sweat it out – elegantly pivoting on his prosthetic limb – in white-collar bouts. Advertisement The question of Edwards' participation is in some ways highly specific, linked to his disability type (though there is a history of lower-limb amputee and wheelchair boxing), and available opponents. But it's also emblematic of a wider resistance in sport and other arenas of life, both conscious and unconscious, to adapting to disabled people's needs. Unbelievably, it can still come down to basic questions of access. Grimmett recounts an anecdote about a boxing gym who would only roll out their wheelchair ramp for him between 11am and midday. It's exasperating because sport should be a universal route to self-validation and social interaction, all the more so for disabled people whose mental health is ground down by the constant struggle for recognition. Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, who is deaf, attests to how sport coaxed her out of her shell, and Amelia, a 10-year-old deaf boxer from a Pembrokeshire gym, is following the same path. There is some divergence here about whether the business rationale – the so-called 'purple pound' – is the key driver for widespread change. Grimmett doesn't editorialise, but lets the arguments breathe and allows quiet indignation to sink in. It would be good to see him tackle other facets of the disabled experience. • Fighters is in UK cinemas from 27 June.
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Fighters review – rage-inducing study of the barriers to participation in sport for disabled people
This hour-long documentary about disabled life and ableism co-directed by campaigner Michael Grimmett isn't merely 'inspirational'; it's also an articulate catalogue of persisting prejudices against disabled people in the UK today, thanks to contributions from influencer Isaac Harvey, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Grimmett himself. What's ironic about the many instances detailed here of how daily life still excludes them is that being part of daily life is exactly what most disabled people wish to be; not visible, not exceptional. That said, Fighters does choose a focal point: the struggle of lower-limb amputee boxer Matt Edwards to gain approval from sport's authorities to take part in amateur boxing bouts. Training and sparring have been a lifesaver for him; after losing a leg aged 19 in a road traffic collision, he fell into addiction. But with the boxing authorities refusing to let him compete, Edwards is forced to sweat it out – elegantly pivoting on his prosthetic limb – in white-collar bouts. The question of Edwards' participation is in some ways highly specific, linked to his disability type (though there is a history of lower-limb amputee and wheelchair boxing), and available opponents. But it's also emblematic of a wider resistance in sport and other arenas of life, both conscious and unconscious, to adapting to disabled people's needs. Unbelievably, it can still come down to basic questions of access. Grimmett recounts an anecdote about a boxing gym who would only roll out their wheelchair ramp for him between 11am and midday. It's exasperating because sport should be a universal route to self-validation and social interaction, all the more so for disabled people whose mental health is ground down by the constant struggle for recognition. Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, who is deaf, attests to how sport coaxed her out of her shell, and Amelia, a 10-year-old deaf boxer from a Pembrokeshire gym, is following the same path. There is some divergence here about whether the business rationale – the so-called 'purple pound' – is the key driver for widespread change. Grimmett doesn't editorialise, but lets the arguments breathe and allows quiet indignation to sink in. It would be good to see him tackle other facets of the disabled experience. Fighters is in UK cinemas from 27 June.
The Guardian
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick suspended over ableist slur
The EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after using an ableist slur on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. A video emerged of the actor, who plays Jay Brown on the long-running soap, using the term to describe the people of Blackpool, the town where the programme was being filmed, according to the Sun on Sunday. On Saturday, a spokesperson for the BBC said: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.' Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. 'It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life, from getting a job to shopping on the high street. 'Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better. We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives.' Borthwick won the Strictly 2023 Christmas special with Nancy Xu. The 30-year-old took part in the most recent series of Strictly, where he was paired with the professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. They were eliminated in week 10, finishing seventh. Borthwick, who joined EastEnders in 2006 and is one of the longest-serving actors on the show, told the Sun on Sunday: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. 'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.' Wynne Evans, who also competed in last year's edition of Strictly, said last week he had been dropped by the BBC, after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. The Welsh opera singer, 53, will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter, he announced last week. Earlier this year, he apologised for language that he called 'inappropriate and unacceptable' after the Mail on Sunday reported that he was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event. It is understood Evans was given a warning over the remark by tour producers. In January, he said: 'I've agreed with the BBC that I'll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing. I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.'
