The star, best known for appearing on the likes of The Last Leg, 8 Out of 10 Cats and her own stand-up, is preparing to release a Channel 4 documentary which looks at the online abuse she has received as a disabled person.
The choice to use the disability slur has not been well-received by everyone.
Rosie, who has cerebral palsy, explained why the title was chosen.
‘I personally hate that word. It has been used as a weapon towards me for 33 years and unfortunately, it is still a word that is used casually in pubs, in schools, in the street, and online,’ she explained on the Channel 4 comedy show.
‘And sometimes, in order to make change, and tackle the subject head-on, you need to grab hold of that weapon and point it towards those people, and say, “It is not okay. It is never ok to use language like this as a form of abuse or casually without thinking”.’
She acknowledged that not everyone will agree with the decision, but shared that she was ‘proud’ of what she’d created.
‘Unfortunately, not every disabled person will agree with me, but this is my experience and my way to start the conversation on ableism and online abuse, it’s not been easy at all.
‘It’s been such a difficult year making this. But it is the proudest thing I’ve ever done,’ she concluded.
The show’s host Adam Hills, who was born without a right foot, comforted Rosie after the honest admission.
He told her that he was ‘so proud’ in a very sweet moment.
Viewers also showed their support for Rosie.
‘Rosie Jones talking about her experiences of being on the receiving end of ableism just reduced me to tears. So powerful. It takes courage to persevere despite awful ignorance and abuse but to face it head on and confront it? Another level,’ wrote one person.
Another added: ‘Rosie Jones just being an absolute legend, could hear a pin drop as she was talking.’
Others still weren’t convinced by the choice: ‘I just decided to be brave watching Rosie Jones @TheLastLeg interview with my hubby Mark. She tried to explain her reasoning for using #Rword for her documentary but for me it’s just personally upsetting. She isn’t me & she doesn’t have a learning disability. Sorry.’
Earlier in the show, things were much more chaotic when Just Stop Oil invaded the set.
Adam, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker were left surprised by the uninvited guests, who introduced themselves, gave the hosts high-vis vests and covered the studio in orange confetti.
The lead presenter Adam, 53, informed viewers that this was not planned, as the individuals made themselves at home just seconds into the programme.
Rosie Jones: Am I a R****d airs on Channel 4 on Thursday 20th July at 10pm.
The Last Leg airs Fridays at 10pm on Channel 4.
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MORE : BBC’s The One Show explains why they won’t name ‘controversial’ title of Rosie Jones documentary
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