Panayiotou’s remarks leave “no room for interpretation: a term that is abusive, stigmatizing and offensive to thousands of our fellow citizens,” the committee said, adding that the use of this term cannot be disguised as humor.
“It is a gross insult to people with intellectual disabilities, to athletes who struggle daily against prejudice and exclusion,” the organization said.
Given Panayiotou’s position as an MEP, “the issue is not simply moral, it is deeply political and institutional,” the committee said.
The committee wants the MEP to publicly apologize for using the derogatory term and “to take a stance that promotes respect and awareness.”