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The stars of 'Love on the Spectrum' expressed being "disgusted" by RFK Jr.'s comments about individuals with autism.
Published April 24 2025, 12:47 p.m. ET
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, during his first press conference as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked widespread backlash after making several controversial remarks about people with autism.
In his comments, RFK Jr. argued that children with autism are "suffering" and claimed they would never be able to work, experience romance, write a poem, play sports, or, in many cases, "use a toilet unassisted."
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The derogatory statements were immediately condemned by the autism community, with a few fan-favorite cast members from Netflix's beloved reality show Love on the Spectrum voicing their disapproval. Here's what they had to say.
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Several 'Love on the Spectrum' stars respond to RFK Jr.'s autism comments.
A few days after RFK Jr.'s comments, Love on the Spectrum star Dani Bowman sat down with NewsNation and expressed her frustration. She told the outlet she was "disgusted" with his statements.
"Autistic people have the same hopes, dreams, and yes, the same awkward dating moments as anyone else," Dani said. "To generalize and say none of us can work, date, or contribute to society, is completely false. I have a job. I do pay taxes. I've dated. I have a master's degree."
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RFK has never seen love on the spectrum bc wtf is he even saying about Autism
— adult goth 🥀🖤🇵🇸 (@obessivelyspeak) April 18, 2025
She continued, "Wanting to cure autism implies that our way of being is wrong and it isn't. We don't need to be fixed. We need to be supported. But the answer isn't erasing autism, it's building a more inclusive world for all of us."
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Dani's co-star James B. Jones also addressed RFK Jr.'s claims in a TikTok video, calling them "extremely ignorant" and "downright offensive."
"I am of sufficient age that I can remember a time when society did not have a very thorough understanding of autism or similar forms of neurodiversity," James said. "So, I am very displeased, very disheartened to hear someone make comments of that nature."
James even criticized RFK Jr.'s notion that autistic individuals are a burden or incapable of independence, stating, "I do not appreciate comments of that nature at all."
He credited special education programs, revealing they were "immensely helpful" when he was young. He said they "helped me to grow and develop into the person I am today."
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@jamesbjones.offical Recently, Robert F. Kennedy jr. made several comments about people who have autism or similar conditions that I found to be very offensive #jamesbjones #jamesbjones87 #confide #comedyvideo #tellingstory #loveonthespectrum #politics #discuss #president #truth #james #podcastclips #news #new #podcasts #podcast #couple #presidentialelection #presidential #JamesBJones
♬ original sound - James B - James B
In a separate interview with People, he pushed back even harder.
He called the remarks "flagrantly false," adding, "They clearly were made from a position of extreme ignorance. Autism manifests itself differently in every person. No two people who have it are exactly the same."
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James went on to share aspects of his own life: He works a full-time job with benefits, drives a car, manages his own expenses, and is in a loving relationship.
The reality star doesn't have to prove anything, but it's clear he wants to share his own experience to challenge harmful stereotypes.
James also addressed misconceptions about autism prevalence: "It is not that there are more people with autism, it is that doctors have become more skilled in identifying traits of autism and that society has become more accepting of autism overall."
"I would hate to see all that progress be lost," he added — and we couldn't agree more!
