Autism United acknowledges Denis Leary for his belated apology for the harm done by his statements about people with autism and their families made in his recently published book, Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid
“I feel that Denis’ apology was enough,” said comedian Mark Anthony Ramirez, a spokesperson for Autism United and Gabby’s Kids, and the father of a child diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, “But his claim that his comments were taken out of context is a veiled attempt to elicit more sales.
“As a parent of a child with autism, I feel he owes the autism community the money he is making for using what has quickly become an epidemic in our country as a cheap ploy to sell his book,” said Ramirez. “He should donate a portion of his sales to assist children with autism.”
In his current book, Leary suggests that autism is the result of poor parenting and parental drug abuse probably plays a role in causing autism. “It is obvious he wrote this chapter to ensure sales via outrage,” said Ramirez, “It is a sad attempt to draw attention to his book — which is filled with his wild, unfunny machinations.”
“As a fellow comedian I respect Denis’ right to free speech and expression, but this chapter in his book, and his statements thereafter, seriously put his integrity in question,” said Ramirez.
