The Bachelor Australia 2020‘s Bella Varelis has been held to account again, though this time it’s for using an ableist slur on Instagram.
In August, Locky Gilbert‘s former TV suitor was called out for suggesting a 1000-year-old UK castle was older than Australia (yes, really).
Now, fans have taken issue with a Story Bella shared on September 8, where she labelled her dog a “sp*stic”.
Alongside a video of her pup, Summer, frolicking in the park, the 27-year-old penned: “In slow motion because I just can’t even with this sp*stic.
“She is truly living her best life.”
ICYMI (we’d hope not, it’s 2022, after all): The term was once used to describe people with a disability. However, it has since morphed into an offensive phrase used to insult others and to suggest that those with a disability are stupid or flawed.
It’s also astounding that the term is being thrown around now, particularly after Lizzo and Beyoncé — two of the world’s most prominent musicians — removed the word from their songs after public backlash.
Bella’s Story has since been removed, but it hasn’t stopped her followers from dissecting how blatantly tone-deaf the post was.
What Have People Said About The Bachelor‘s Bella Varelis’ Post?
Taking to discussion groups, fans discussed Bella’s “disgusting” use of the term.
“How is this word still being used in this manner?” One fan penned. “So disgusting.”
Another mused, “How is it even in someone’s vocabulary to use?”
Meanwhile, an onlooker was in disbelief of the reality star’s commentary, writing: “No wayyyyyy [sic]. Also, bye-bye brand deals.”
Despite the mountain of criticism, one Facebook user said, “this generation is so sensitive”.
“I get what’s wrong with it, but we all know she’s not referring to disabled people,” they wrote. “People need to chill and leave people alone.”
However, others were still not having it.
“Maybe we’re just a generation that’s less tolerable of bigots xx.”
Hear, hear!
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