The Special Olympics Reacts To Jared Fields’ Use Of R-Word

ByAllie Johnson
CBS. Jared Fields appears in the Big Brother house.

The Special Olympics has released a statement that condemns the Big Brother contestant’s use of the r-word.

According to Monsters & Critics, Jared Fields got into an argument with America Lopez during the show’s live stream last week.

In a post from BBXtra, Fields can be seen talking to Cory Wurtenberger about what he had just said to Lopez.

Fields immediately expresses regret for his choice of words to Wurtenberger.  “I don’t think she’s (America) the R-word. I slipped up. I’m sorry about that,” Fields said.

Big Brother fans have taken to social media to express their disgust for Fields’ use of the r-word.

“I’ll be shocked if CBS remove Jared for using the R word… after all it did take them 25 seasons to remove someone for being racist,” said one X user. “He should definitely be removed, just like anyone who uses a slur, but again, this is CBS we’re talking about.”

On Thursday, The Special Olympics weighed in with an official statement regarding the controversy.

The Special Olympics Statement On The R-Word

“The R-word has reared its ugly head again — this time on CBS’s Big Brother. It’s that person’s right to use whatever words he wants, but it’s my right to ask him to stop using words that humiliate and mock people with intellectual differences,” said Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics.

The statement continued in an effort to celebrate those with intellectual disabilities, combating the negativity of Fields’ poor choice of words. “There are millions of people with intellectual disabilities whose courage, kindness and skill make the world more just and joyful. We should be imitating them, not those who use petty slurs to get a laugh,” Shriver wrote.

Shriver first joined the Special Olympics back in 1996. After nearly 30 years with the organization, he now leads the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. Shriver also co-founded the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning that social and emotional learning in public education.

CBS Has Yet To Release An Official Statement

Despite a growing outcry from fans and organizations like the Special Olympics, CBS has not yet released an official statement about Fields’ use of the r-word. Current Big Brother contestant Jag Bains and his family released a statement condemning the language. Bains is an avid supporter of the Special Olympics as well as the “Spread The Word To End The Word” campaign. In his statement, Bains acknowledges CBS’ silence and inaction on the matter.

“Although CBS has been silent about this incident, we wanted to address this issue and spread awareness. Using the r-word diminishes the dignity and humanity of individuals with I/DD and perpetuates harmful stereotypes,” reads a part of Bains’ statement.

How do you feel about Jared Fields’ use of the r-word? Do you think that it was a mistake that should be forgiven? Let us know what you think down below in the comments.

Allie Johnson
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