Former Australian TV show host caught in Twitter storm after using ableist slur against Biden

Australian commentator Sam Newman sparked outrage on Twitter after using an ableist remark when referring to the president-elect.

Contrasting the warm remarks and celebratory messages that the President-elect Joe Biden was receiving on the announcement of his win, some were less than welcoming and even offensive.

The former AFL player wrote on Twitter: ‘Great day for inclusion and diversity. Shows someone who is mentally r****ded and has special needs, can attain high office. Congratulations, Joe Biden.’

He has also previously tweeted the hashtag ‘#JoeBidenHasDementia’ and said "How has this elderly man not been committed?"

The tweet has since been deleted after an outpouring of condemnation but the commentator was quick to respond that he didn’t delete the tweet for the reasons everyone thinks:

His comments led to responses by Australian Paralympians who spoke out against them.

This is not the first time that the commentator has said something controversial.

Earlier this year Newman called George Floyd a "piece of s***" after AFL players took the knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. He was later pulled from Channel 9 and the broadcaster released a statement calling the decision "amicable'.

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