Apology demanded from Charles Barkley for fat shaming remarks on-air

theGRIO REPORT - Body image groups demand that Charles Barkley apologize for fat shaming remarks...

May 9, 2014

Charles Barkley, the former basketball player turned sportscaster and wanna-be politician, has put his foot in his mouth again.

Earlier this week, while on TNT’s Inside the NBA, he went on a rant about how women in San Antonio Texas were fat. He chuckled with is co-anchors about how San Antonio was a quote—gold mine for weight watchers— and even went so far as to be critical of the type of apparel women down there can’t wear.

Organizations that support self-image and acceptance were quick to express their disappointment and demand an apology.

James Zervios of the Obesity Action Coalition told theGrio that his group sent a letter to Barkley, the NBA and the Chief Executive of Turner Broadcasting demanding an apology. As of this posting, there has been no response.

Zervios said, “It is unfortunate that someone who has the ability to reach millions chose to use the forum to perpetuate stigma and bias.”

Another group, The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, pointed out that making comments about body size is just as offensive as making comments about one’s skin color.

So Grio fam, what do you think? Should Barkley apologize for his remarks? Let us know what you think, leave a comment below.