2024-09-08 01:36:34
Luke Mockridge mocks para-athletes in a podcast. Now the association has made a surprising statement.
Luke Mockridge’s verbal outburst at the expense of para-athletes has consequences for the comedian. Several people from the sport spoke out and sharply criticized the 35-year-old. Özcan Mutlu, President of the Berlin Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association, demanded an apology from Mockridge.
“An unprecedented slip-up. This cannot be dismissed as comedy or mere stupidity,” Mutlu told the German Press Agency, “such derogatory statements are absolutely unacceptable and deserve strong condemnation. Mockridge should be deeply ashamed and apologize immediately.”
The German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) also reacted. “We would like to encourage people to watch para-sports live in order to experience the impressive achievements that people with disabilities are capable of – and to understand what an enrichment they are for our society,” said the DBS. “We do not want to devote any greater attention to this contribution.”
Three weeks ago, television presenter Mockridge said in the podcast “Die Deutschen”: “There are people without legs and arms, you throw them into a pool – and whoever drowns last wins.” From mid-September, the 35-year-old will host the Sat.1 show “Was ist in der Box? Das Comedy-Quiz”.