The « Wonder Woman » actress joins a host of celebrities who posted tributes to Hawking. However, Gal Gadot was criticized for her choice of words in the post.
Gal Gadot.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Gal Gadot is facing backlash over her social media tribute to Stephen Hawking .
The 76-year-old world famous physicist died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The « Wonder Woman » actress joins a host of celebrities who posted tributes honoring the scientist.
However, the 32-year-old model was criticized for her choice of words in the post.
She tweeted: « Rest in peace Dr. Hawking. Now you’re free of any physical constraints.
« Your brilliance and wisdom will be cherished forever. »
Fans were quick to slam the actress for implying that people with disabilities needed to « die to be free of their challenges. »
One wrote: « 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.
« That sentiment affects me personally, it affects all people with disabilities because it impacts how we are perceived.
« The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 70-80% and the idea that disabilities are scary things to be « freed » from is a big reason why. »
Another wrote: « 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. »
Meanwhile one posted: « 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. »
Other fans, however, did jump to the actresses defense, slamming people for being « politically correct. »
One wrote: « You’re being overly politically correct about a beautiful statement of someones spirit leaving their body I’m sure the day you die your spirit will be free as well… don’t be so sensitive she is not referring to you personally!! He openly spoke about his frustrations. »
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