How did parents of children with cleft lips respond?

Question

Accepted Answer

Parents of children with cleft lips condemned Wendy Williams' imitation as bullying.

Parents of children with cleft lips have strongly criticised talk show host Wendy Williams for mocking Joaquin Phoenix's facial scar, which she incorrectly identified as a cleft lip. Their reactions highlighted concerns that such behaviour promotes bullying against the cleft community. Professional Canadian football player Adam Bighill, who was born with a cleft lip, publicly denounced Williams' actions as "hideous and offensive."
Condemnation of "Bullying" Behaviour

The response from parents and advocacy groups was swift and severe following Wendy Williams' on-air imitation of a cleft lip. By mimicking the condition and joking about it, Williams was accused of engaging in "bullying" behaviour. This imitation, which involved Williams pulling up her own lip for several seconds while discussing Joaquin Phoenix's scar, was seen as deeply insensitive and harmful.
Adam Bighill's Public Denunciation

Adam Bighill, a prominent figure in Canadian football, took to Twitter to express his outrage. Bighill, who has personal experience with cleft lip, stated that Williams' "comments/actions towards the cleft community clearly promotes bullying." He further described her behaviour as "hideous and offensive," amplifying the criticism from the affected community.
Personal Impact and Advocacy

Bighill underscored the impact of Williams' remarks by sharing a photograph of his son, Beau, who was on the verge of undergoing surgery to correct a cleft lip. This personal connection served as a powerful counterpoint to Williams' mockery, illustrating the real-life challenges and medical interventions faced by individuals born with the condition. The medical non-profit Operation Smile notes that cleft conditions affect approximately one in every 500 to 750 births globally.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How did parents of children with cleft lips respond?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends