In January 2020, an inappropriate discussion about cleft and craniofacial conditions aired on the Wendy Williams Show. The ACPA community was calling on leaders to take a stand. I wrote this letter as part of our “crisis communications” plan. In result, Wendy Williams apologized and became one of ACPA’s largest donors. Information has been redacted for confidentiality purposes.
Dear Ms. Williams:
On behalf of the 2,500 members, leadership, and employees of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, and the more than 76,000 patients we serve in the cleft and craniofacial community, I am writing to express our strong objection to your recent comments and gestures made about a person with a facial difference in the show that aired Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
We recognize the context of your comments and gestures in describing Joaquin Phoenix, and that you primarily meant to entertain the audience and viewers. However, the references to his cleft lip were insensitive and inappropriate. Such behavior does not help build positive public awareness and support about cleft and craniofacial conditions for patients and families who live with them.
We encourage you to use your voice for the encouragement of people with cleft and craniofacial conditions and learn more about how to support the patients, families and professionals in our community. We would be glad to have one of our cleft and craniofacial professionals join you as a guest on the show to highlight this subject in a positive manner. We hope you use your voice to benefit patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions, their families, and the organizations who serve them. You have a forum that can inform the community and create a culture of kindness for patients and their families who face daily challenges.
We stand ready to provide additional feedback to you if desired and where appropriate. Please let me know if you would like to discuss this matter further. Thank you for your time and attention for our concerns.
Respectfully,