Dani Bowman from Love on the Spectrum Shares Her Thoughts on R-Slur in Euphoria and the Roast of Kevin Hart: Why She Believes This Word Should Be Banned
Dani Bowman, known for her role in *Love on the Spectrum*, has publicly criticized the recent normalization of the ableist slur “R-word” on television. This comes in light of its recent use by Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie in HBO’s *Euphoria*.
In a recent episode of the show, Sweeney’s character exclaimed, “I’m not r—ed,” a statement that Bowman firmly believes should never be uttered. She expressed her concerns, stating that the term should “be banned.”
“We worked way too hard for inclusion and acceptance to normalize the R word again,” Bowman told TMZ. “As someone on the autism spectrum, it’s honestly painful to watch this language become socially acceptable again in pop culture. That word has been used for decades to bully, humiliate and dehumanize neurodiverse people. Bringing it back like it’s edgy or funny is not progress. It’s a step backwards. We spent years trying to educate people that these words hurt real human beings, and representation means nothing if respect disappears the second people think it’s trendy to mock disability again.”
Bowman also addressed Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who used the term during *The Roast of Kevin Hart*. She said, “I respect Dwayne Johnson and everything he’s accomplished, but using the R word, even in a joke or skit, is disappointing. Words like that have a real impact because they’ve been used for years to mock and tear down people with disabilities and neurodiverse individuals. We’ve made a lot of progress when it comes to inclusion and awareness, so seeing that kind of language come back into mainstream entertainment feels like a step backwards. Comedy can still be funny without targeting a community that’s fought hard to be accepted.”
🚨Dani Bowman — a star on the hit show “Love on the Spectrum” — is calling out Dwayne Johnson and the TV show “Euphoria” for using the r-word liberally … saying she feels disrespected.
“I feel totally disrespected. You disrespect one, and you disrespect us all,” Bowman added. “This word should be banned. I didn’t really like this R word at all, because it just dehumanizes people.”
Bowman has consistently advocated for neurodivergent representation, previously condemning Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for remarks regarding individuals on the autism spectrum.
