Three-time gold medal winning snowboarder Shaun White is in some trouble with the Special Olympics team after wearing what they call an insensitive Halloween costume this weekend. White showed up at a party dressed as "Special Jack," a mentally challenged character from the 2008 movie Tropic Thunder, portrayed by Ben Stiller.
Snowboarder Shaun White chose an unfortunate Halloween costume this year. https://t.co/8zoqOxTRLW pic.twitter.com/aUX1k7REao
— HuffPost Sports (@HuffPostSports) October 29, 2018
The Special Olympics called the outfit disappointing.
“We are truly disappointed that Shaun White, an acclaimed Olympian, would choose this costume, which is so offensive and causes so much pain,” Soeren Palumbo, co-founder of the Special Olympics, told the Huffington Post. “Disability is not a joke, nor should it be a punchline. We hope that Shaun White and others learn that this just continues stigma, stereotypes and discrimination.”
The snowboarder understood the backlash and regretted his wardrobe choice.
— Shaun White (@shaunwhite) October 29, 2018
Reactions to his apology were mixed. Some say the costume was not offensive and White had no need to apologize, including well known Parkland student Cameron Kasky.
I’ve worked with developmentally disabled kids pretty much the majority of my short time on this planet, and as somebody who tries to stay as in touch with this beautiful community as possible, for God’s sake it’s a Halloween costume from a funny movie. Stay strong, Shaun.
— Cameron Kasky (@cameron_kasky) October 30, 2018
Other commenters insisted it's just a movie character.
"People really need to grow a thicker skin and get a sense of humor," one commenter wrote.
But, a good number of other social media users believe White's costume was in terrible taste.
"I have a developmentally delayed kid and not only did i not find the character in the movie funny I also found the costume repulsive," one woman shared. "Your comment is also way off base. It’s not just a costume!"
The Special Olympics accepted the Olympian's apology.
Thank you @shaunwhite for listening to our community. You always have an invitation to shred with our athletes at #XGames Aspen!
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) October 30, 2018
This isn't the first controversy White has fielded since his most recent gold medal winning halfpipe run. Shortly after he earned the hardware, reports revealed that he had been accused of inappropriate behavior with a female member of his band, making him the latest target in the "Me Too" movement.
The woman, Lena Zawaideh, accused White of sexual harassment in 2016, claiming he sent her “sexually explicit and graphic images.” He reached a settlement with her outside of court and did not appear to lose any endorsements over it.
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