Rosie O'Donnell Calls for RFK Jr.'s Resignation Over Autism Remarks
Rosie O’Donnell criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on CNN, demanding his resignation as HHS Secretary due to his controversial comments about autism.
Rosie O’Donnell, a prominent television personality and advocate for autistic individuals, expressed strong disapproval of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statements on autism during an interview on CNN. Kennedy Jr., currently serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, suggested that autism ‘destroys families,’ a claim that O’Donnell found ‘disrespectful’ and ‘disgraceful.’
O’Donnell, who herself is a parent to a non-binary, autistic child named Clay, emphasized the personal impact of Kennedy’s words, sharing how her child had faced challenges but had been helped by therapy. She argued that Kennedy’s remarks were not only offensive but also a sign of his unsuitability for his role at HHS. ‘I think he is wholly unqualified to be the head of Health and Human Services,’ O’Donnell stated, pointing out the irony given the Kennedy family’s history with the Special Olympics.
The controversy stems from Kennedy’s broader initiative at HHS to investigate the rising rates of autism, which he attributes to environmental toxins rather than genetic factors, a view that conflicts with much of the scientific community’s consensus. Kennedy’s past efforts to link vaccines to autism have also been widely discredited by medical experts. Despite this, he insists he is not anti-vaccine but continues to question their safety and efficacy.
In response to the backlash, an HHS spokesperson clarified that Kennedy’s comments were intended to focus on the most severely affected by autism and not to generalize or stigmatize the autistic community as a whole. The spokesperson also reaffirmed Kennedy’s commitment to supporting research and improving the quality of life for those with autism.
O’Donnell’s comments also touched on broader political concerns, citing her decision to move to Ireland following Donald Trump’s election, influenced by her fears about the direction of the country under his leadership. Her critique of Kennedy is part of a larger narrative of dissatisfaction with the current administration’s choices and policies.