Disabled actor expects torrent of abuse during Paralympics BREAKING BAD STAR READY FOR TROLLS
BREAKING Bad star RJ Mitte is braced for online abuse while fronting the Paralympics TV coverage.
The actor, who has cerebral palsy, said his disability had previously made him the target of trolls.
And he predicted he would get more nasty messages while presenting the Games on Channel 4.
In an exclusive chat, he said: “Someone will probably say something negative about me when I’m on the broadcast. I don’t doubt that at all.
“But I don’t give negativity power. I don’t let them have any control over my life.
“Why would I give them power? What are they doing with their life? If people OUR hopefuls are in action this week and are aiming to top their success at London 2012, where they bagged 120 medals including 34 golds.
Here are some of those hoping to make an impact in Rio. ED GLEAVE TV Editor focus on negativity, they’re only hurting themselves. That’s not my problem. They have to live with who they are.”
Playing Walter White Jr on the hit US show for six years made RJ a global star and helped others who also have cerebral palsy.
He said: “I think Breaking Bad did a lot for the disability community.
“I have had quite a few messages from people who were inspired by seeing me on the show. It had a big impact.
“But I remind them that being inspired isn’t enough – you have to actually go out and do it.
“I look at my disability as more of a blessing than a curse. It comes with KARE ADENEGAN – ATHLETICSxxxxxxxxxx Kare, 15, who has cerebal palsy, is competing in the wheelchair 100m, 400m and 800m races. JONNIE PEACOCK –
100m SPRINT Jonnie hopes to repeat his London 2012 success and win gold in Rio. But the 23-year-old, who lost a leg to meningitis as a boy, knows his rivals are improving. He warned: “It’s getting so competitive.” ELLIE SIMMONDS – SWIMMING Ellie, 21, has four golds from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. She started swimming aged five despite being born with Achondroplasia dwarfism. She said: “I love to be on the top of the podium.”
PAM RELPH – ROWING Pam, 26, was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis as a girl. It led to degeneration in her joints and caused the bones of her right wrist to fuse. HANNAH COCKCROFT –
ATHLETICS Two-time gold medallist in London, ‘Hurricane’ Hannah leads our medal hopes. She started racing aged 16 – four years before striking gold in London.
ROSS WILSON – TABLE TENNIS Ross, 20, helped win team bronze in London despite having a condition which affects the growing ends of his bones. He needed multiple operations after the 2012 Games. some physical challenges but they are my challenges and I have to overcome them.
“My disability is a gift that gave me a tool and a career. I could fight against it but why would you fight against who you are?”
RJ has years of experience on the big screen but hosting coverage of the Paralympic Games will be his first presenting job.
He said: “I’m excited to be a part of it. I’m just going to give it my best and see what happens.
“There are some nerves about it being live. You have to get it right the first time. You have to just hope for the best.
“And I think it’s good to be afraid. Fear can be fun. I like to do things I’m scared of. It’s an opportunity to learn something.”
Rio 2016 had the nation gripped this summer and RJ thinks the Paralympics will be even more entertaining.
He said: “When people watch the Paralympics they will see athletes take control and fight to the finish and that’s really what it’s about.
“The Paralympics in London were amazing but I think Rio will be even better. Channel 4 is really putting its best foot forward to show people these games, which are astonishing.
“A lot of people see someone who is disabled and try to limit them. They think they have to go easy on them. But I see things in the opposite way.
“We’re here to make ourselves better and challenge each other.”