A nonprofit group that started in Hoffman Estates helps kids with down syndrome across the country--but they’re frustrated by ignorance and a lack of acceptance spreading online.
Nancy Gianni started GiGi's Playhouse to help kids with down syndrome — including her daughter GiGi.
“It is not OK to make fun of people with a disability for doing nothing wrong in this world,” Gianni said. “They have it hard enough in life. They do not need somebody making the world think it’s OK to make fun of them.”
That’s why she’s shocked comedian Tom Segura uses an offensive slur in his Netflix special.
He responded on social media after people protested.
“Hey @netflix please don't take my special down. That'd be so retarded," he said.
Gianni says Netflix hangs up on her when she calls to complain.
“If someone says the n-word, people are jumping saying it’s wrong," she said. "I love what’s happening with women and people sticking up for them, but what about our kids? Why is no one sticking up for them?"
She said it makes her angry and sad.
Her daughter wants Netflix to spread her message instead.
"Be nice, be generous and be kind,” GiGi says.
Netflix did not immediately respond to NBC 5's request for comment.
There’s an online petition asking Netflix to take down the special.
