Gal Gadot prompts fury over Stephen Hawking tribute
Gal Gadot has received online criticism after sharing a tribute to Stephen Hawking, following his death yesterday, aged 76.
The Wonder Woman actress has been branded 'ableist' - a term used to describe discrimination or prejudice against people who are disabled. In a Twitter tribute, she wrote: "Rest in peace Dr. Hawking. Now you're free of any physical constraints.. Your brilliance and wisdom will be cherished forever"
Rest in peace Dr. Hawking. Now you're free of any physical constraints.. Your brilliance and wisdom will be cherished forever ✨ pic.twitter.com/EQzSxqNTuN
- Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) March 14, 2018
Social media users have pointed out that Hawking was never limited by his "physical restraints" and went on to achieve some of the greatest discoveries known to science. He was not defined by his disability, nor did it bind him.
I think you’re fantastic Gal but this tweet is very ableist. His physical constraints didn’t stop him from changing the world. People with disabilities don’t wish for death to be free of their challenges. We wish to be valued for what we CAN do, not pitied for we can’t.
- Adam B. Zimmerman (@ABZimm) March 14, 2018
Gal I am chronically ill. Can't shower or even get myself out of bed. Lost 18 years thus far. But I ran a charity funding research for my illness #ME and advocate for Change. All from my bed. Is my life not important? Disablement is not shameful, bigotry is. Watch @unrestfilm pls
- amara campbell (@amaracampbell) March 14, 2018
So what we're NOT gonna do is talk about Stephen Hawking's disability like it was a tragedy. Because it wasn't. Disabilities are not tragedies. Abled people can go away. https://t.co/e1PB6TB79F
- Ophelia Brown (@bandaidknees) March 14, 2018
Ms. Gadot, he will always be remembered for his brilliance and humor despite his physical condition. I must disagree however, with a mind like his, he had no physical constants. He took trips through space, time and dimensions that we could not even imagine. May he Rest In Peace.
- Rev. Gary Conkle (@nthdeegree) March 14, 2018
