Deaf Actress Marlee Matlin Responds to Reports Trump Called Her the R-Word

On Friday, The Daily Beast reported that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had a history of calling Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin “retarded” during her time on “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Matlin, who’s the only deaf actress to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, responded to the tailspin of media reports that followed.

My response to recent media reports – Marlee. pic.twitter.com/Mkrbh47dUO

— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) October 14, 2016

Her statement reads:

Recent media reports have circulated that Donald Trump allegedly referred to me as “retarded.” The term is abhorrent and should never be used. The fact that we are talking about this during a very important moment in American history has upset me deeply.

I am Deaf. There are millions of Deaf and hard of hearing people like me, in the United States and around the world who face discrimination and misunderstanding like this on a daily basis. It is unacceptable.

So, what’s my response? It’s not about insults or taking each other down. As a person who is Deaf, as a woman, as a mom, as a wife, as an actor, I have a voice. And I’m using that voice to make myself heard… and vote.

Spread the Word to End the Word! You can head here to pledge to stop using the R-word. It’s a step toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.