YouTuber who posted about aborting pregnancy because of Down syndrome previously made tasteless skit mocking condition

YouTuber Jesse Ridgway sparked controversy after an offensive skit mocking Down syndrome resurfaced, years before he and his wife made the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy due to Trisomy 21.

The video, posted in 2017 as part of the series “The Devil Inside,” featured Ridgway playing a character with Down syndrome, using stereotypical voice and mannerisms. In the footage, he can be heard saying, “I have Down syndrome” and expressing a desire to go to Chuck E. Cheese.

Ridgway defended the video as art, claiming he was portraying a character whose brain was “fried” due to a rapid identity switch. However, his portrayal was met with backlash as people pointed out that individuals with Down syndrome do not have damaged brains but instead have an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Recently, Ridgway and his wife made the heartbreaking decision to terminate a pregnancy after learning the fetus had Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. In an emotional Instagram post, Ridgway shared the devastating news, expressing the trauma they both experienced.

Trisomy 21 is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome, according to the CDC. It affects approximately one in every 640 babies born in the US. Despite advancements in understanding and supporting individuals with Down syndrome, anti-abortion campaigners note that a high percentage of pregnancies where Trisomy 21 is detected end in termination.

The revelation of Ridgway’s past skit and the recent decision to terminate the pregnancy has sparked a conversation about sensitivity, awareness, and the complexities of addressing disabilities in the media. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding when discussing such delicate topics.