Comedian Chris McCausland has suggested Alan Sugar should keep his thoughts to himself following the businessman's controversial social media outburst.
The Apprentice boss sparked outrage among fans with a seemingly insensitive tweet as he watched an episode of Strictly Come Dancing earlier this month. Alan, 77, took to Twitter to criticise the latest batch of celebrities in this year's dance show line-up, referring to them as "gimmicks".
Chris, Strictly's first ever blind contestant, hit back at the time, with The Royal National Institute of Blind People also criticising Alan's rant. Speaking in a new interview over the weekend, Chris reflected further on Alan's comments.
Recalling how Alan claims the "gimmicks" he was referring to had nothing to do with the show's blind and deaf contestants, Chris mused: "But what was he on about? I can't imagine." He went on to tell The Times: "Some people are in a position where they should know to keep things inside their heads. We all have these thoughts from time to time, don't we, but we can just keep them to ourselves."
The feud began on October 13 when Alan tweeted: "I don't know when Strictly come dancing are going to run out of contestant gimmicks. I would not be surprised if they had a AI mechanical robot next year. @bbcstrictly." Not taking the comment lightly, Chris retorted: "I am sorry my gimmick offends you oh mighty Lord," ending his response with a sarcastic hashtag, #YoureTired.
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Instagram/ @diannebuswell)Fans rallied behind Chris, expressing their support and disapproval of Alan's remarks. One user responded: "Answered perfectly Chris. If your comments are aimed at individuals with disabilities you should be ashamed of yourself @Lord_Sugar." Another fan added: "He's only jealous cause with 20/20 Vision he couldn't pull of half of the moves you have or win the respect of the public for doing something so amazing. Don't waste your typing energy Chris, just keep dancing you legend."
A third fan exclaimed: "There's nothing gimmicky about you Chris. You are the real deal," and a fourth supporter commented: "Good for you Chris. I love seeing Strictly show that ANYONE can learn to dance and enjoy dancing, no matter your size, sexuality, disability, etc. Looking forward to you and Dianne's dance next week, loved your salsa this week."
The Royal National Institute of Blind People also hit back at the business tycoon's comments, telling him: "Hi @Lord_Sugar, I’m a blind person. I can’t believe I’m having to say this, but disabilities aren't gimmicks. Having disability representation on @BBCStrictly makes people like me feel seen. It shows what we can do, not what we can’t do. There’s nothing gimmicky about that.' Alan replied to the statement: '"Why are you assuming I am referring to disabled people. You make me sick."
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