ASHLAND, Ky. — An Ashland-area businessman is facing significant public criticism after social media posts attributed to him used language widely regarded as a derogatory slur toward individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Screenshots of the posts began circulating across Facebook over the weekend after the original content was deleted. The posts have since generated hundreds of reactions, comments, shares, and calls from some community members to boycott businesses associated with Robert Prichard, including Prichard’s Lawn Care and Prichard’s Sanitation.
One of the screenshots shows a post congratulating a young man for placing second in a charity run while repeatedly using the "R-word," a term that disability advocates have long identified as offensive and demeaning. The post also included comments directed at the young man's intelligence.
According to multiple social media users, the event referenced in the post was a benefit run intended to help support an individual with medical and rehabilitation expenses.
Additional screenshots reviewed by the Morehead Minute show numerous individuals expressing outrage over the language used. Several customers publicly stated they intended to cancel services with businesses owned by Prichard, while others left negative recommendations on the businesses' Facebook pages.
One screenshot also appears to show a response from a business account defending the comments by stating that the owner was "not making fun of a special needs child," while again using the same derogatory slur in reference to others.
The controversy has sparked broader conversations online about the impact of language used to describe people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocacy organizations have spent years encouraging the public to stop using the "R-word," saying it has historically been used to demean and stigmatize individuals with disabilities.
As of publication, the original Facebook post appears to have been removed.
Prior to publication, the Morehead Minute contacted Robert Prichard to request comment regarding the controversy and to provide him an opportunity to respond to the public criticism. As of the time this article was published, no response had been received. Should Mr. Prichard provide a statement, the Morehead Minute will update this story to include it.
The Morehead Minute recognizes that people can hold differing opinions. However, the language shown in the screenshots has prompted a strong response from many members of the community, particularly parents, caregivers, advocates for individuals with disabilities, and customers of the businesses involved.
This remains a developing story. The Morehead Minute will continue to follow developments and publish any additional verified information as it becomes available.