In the 2015 speech, given at a rally in South Carolina, Trump appeared to mock him by making hand gestures, but also, by inferring in the manner and tone of his voice, and the exaggerated blank expression on his face, that Kovaleski is in some way intellectually disabled. In this case, most notably in his right hand and wrist. Kovaleski has a physical disability, arthrogryposis, which results in contractures of the joints. That was not the case, as best as I can remember.”) (When asked about this, Kovaleski responded: “I certainly do not remember anyone saying that thousands or even hundreds of people were celebrating. In 2015, Donald Trump alleged that he had seen thousands celebrating the attacks and referenced the Kovaleski/Kunkle article. Shortly after the attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001, Kovaleski and fellow reporter Fredrick Kunkle were investigating rumours that “law enforcement authorities detained and questioned a number of people who were allegedly seen celebrating the attacks”. The disabled reporter concerned is Serge Kovaleski, formerly of the Washington Post. It made its intended audience laugh and show their teeth. But it was effective, and it did its job. There was one performance this year that stunned me. She segued wonderfully from talking about acting into her feelings about the current president-elect: The speech was broadcast around the world, regurgitated on thousands of Twitter feeds and Facebook posts. Streep was at the time accepting the Cecil B DeMille award for her lifetime achievement in the film and television industry. Writing in The Spectator, Charles Moore declared that: “Meryl Streep should watch her words on disrespecting the afflicted.” One might not expect the disabled community to agree with Moore, however many do, but for an entirely different set of reasons. Hollywood applauded, the public approved, and fellow stars lined up to offer their approval, including Robert De Niro, who wrote a letter of support to his former co-star.īut her speech also stoked the fires that fuel indignant outrage from those who argue that actors should stick to the script and not get involved in politics. "I'd love to have the apology before they go out of business."ĬBS News' Sopan Deb contributed to this report.Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech at the Golden Globes hauled Donald Trump over the coals for mocking a disabled reporter. "I think the New York Times frankly should give me an apology," he told the crowd. Trump also slammed the Times as a "disgusting newspaper" and accused other media outlets - "CNN in particular" - of being unfair in their coverage of his presidential campaign.
He added that sometimes "people mock me with my hair." "I don't mock people that have problems, believe me," he continued. I give tens and tens of millions of dollars," Trump said. "Nobody gives more money to Americans with - you know, the Americans with Disability Act - big act. These are incredible people, and I just want to put that to rest." The GOP hopeful went on to address Americans with disabilities in general: "People that have a difficulty, I cherish them.
"And the problem is he's using what he's got to such a horrible degree.