Jennifer Aniston under fire for use of R-word on "Live with Regis and Kelly"

From The NY Daily News:

Jennifer Aniston's (pictured) words seem to be getting her in trouble lately.

During an appearance on "Live with Regis and Kelly" August 19, the actress let a controversial word slip as she was discussing her recent photo shoot for Harper's Bazaar, in which she dressed up as Barbra Streisand.

"You played dress up!" host Regis Philbin told the actress.

She casually replied, "I played dress up! I do it for a living, like a retard!"

Following the interview, the actress, who stars in the new romantic comedy "The Switch," came under fire for her "extraordinarily offensive and inappropriate" comment.

"Frankly, someone in her position ought to know better," Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc (a nonprofit advocate for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities), told UsMagazine.com. "She is using language that is offensive to a large segment of the population in this country."

"We estimate that there are probably in excess of 5 million people in the country with intellectual disabilities, and when you think about all of them, their family members and friends, you're talking about tens of millions of people who find the use of that term to be really offensive," he added. "Every time folks hear that word, it kind of reminds them of all the discrimination and oppression they've experienced in their lives. Even if it wasn't intended to insult them, that is the effect of it."

Aniston, 41, isn't the only public figure who has been attacked for using the word. Earlier this year, Sarah Palin scolded Rahm Emanuel for calling liberal groups opposed to health care reform "f---ing retards."

"Sadly, people use the word pervasively even if they don't realize it," said Kirsten Seckler, spokeswoman for the Special Olympics. "People with intellectual disabilities have fought their whole lives for understanding and recognition. When people continue to use the R word, it's hurtful."

Bill O'Reilly also recently slammed Aniston for her comments made about single parenthood. The Fox News host called the actress "destructive to society."