Contributors who were previously involved in Rosie Jones’ documentary about the online abuse that people with disabilities face have been withdrawn from the film ‘at their request’, Channel 4 has confirmed.
It was recently announced that the comedian, who has cerebral palsy, was working on a programme with the broadcaster exploring society’s attitudes towards disabled people.
However, the title of the film uses a derogatory slur that has been used against disabled people in the past and so has sparked a significant amount of backlash, with the documentary being controversially called Am I A R****d.
In a video posted on Instagram, Rosie, 33, explained her reasoning behind the decision, stating: ‘I’ve made a documentary for Channel 4 about online abuse and the ableism that I and all other disabled people receive. The title of the film has a very shocking word in it, the “R” word, and I get it – a lot of people will find this word very shocking and upsetting.
‘But, in my opinion, society doesn’t take this word and other ableist forms of language as seriously as any other form of abuse from any other minorities.
‘So, I said to Channel 4: “Let’s do it, let’s tackle the problem head on and use that word in the title and then, hopefully, people will think twice about using the word and other ableist slurs ever again.”’
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Three people who were contributors for the documentary – Shelby Lynch, Kate Stanforth and Lucy Dawson – have since rescinded their involvement and spoken out against its title.
In a statement sent to Metro.co.uk, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: ‘We have removed the contributors from the documentary at their request and fully respect their decision to withdraw.’
In another statement, they stressed that the programme is ‘an authored documentary by Rosie Jones to raise awareness and educate viewers about the issue of ableism and the scale of abuse she and other disabled people face daily’.
They continued: ‘The use of the r-word in the documentary is within context of the subject matter being explored and specific to the abuse Rosie receives on social media.
‘The film makes very clear it is an unacceptable and offensive ableist term and its inclusion was carefully considered in conversations with the editorial team, Rosie and a disability consultant.’
In a post on her Instagram grid, influencer Kate wrote: ‘Just a little, but important, statement. Myself and a number of influencers were originally part of the new Rosie Jones documentary which is due to air soon.
‘There have been a number of issues raised throughout the process, which lead myself and all of my friends to withdraw consent to use our material. This includes a lengthy discussion on why we think the title will be damaging to the disabled community and major pressure to change this.
‘Regardless, I still hope the documentary highlights the abuse disabled people get on a daily basis and thank the disabled community who were involved in this for all rallying together on this one for putting as much pressure on the team as possible so we could try get the correct result, even if that meant strapping out hard work. We got you.’
Shelby also thanked her supporters for the ‘love’ that they had shown her, as she stated on Instagram: ‘As I mentioned previously my biggest fear was letting the disabled community down and having my platforms not feel like a safe space. But you have all been so understanding and empathic I had a little cry – and called my dad because that’s what I always seem to do haha!
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She continued: ‘After going over the events that occurred and listening to Kate and Lucy retell the story I’m remembering so much more frustrating situations that happened and it makes me so angry.
‘I appreciate other disabled people have different opinions about the documentary title, who are my friends, and they think it’s okay. Not every disabled person has the same opinion and that’s okay. But I always believe it’s best to go with the majority especially those talk about ableism on the daily and educate others for a living.
‘So again thank you for your love and support it’s appreciated more than you know x.’
According to The Mirror, Lucy put on her Instagram Story: ‘I do think the doc will be brilliant & discuss real important topics which is why it’s even more of a shame to use that title – I definitely won’t be watching because it’s gonna be too triggering regardless of if it’s good or bad for me now because of what went on behind the scenes – a lot of what I haven’t even scratched the surface with.
‘But yes ofc don’t spread any hatred towards anyone involved in this – I hope it was clear I was speaking 100% personally on my experience and the facts of what happened and how made me feel as a warning to any disabled people in future who are approached for documentaries, as well to support both @shelbykinsxo & @katestanforth x”.’
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