Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder 'Retard' Offends Disabled Groups

Disability groups have voiced their anger at Ben Stiller’s new movie Tropic Thunder, in which is plays a mentally handicapped man.

Stiller's character, an actor, takes on the role of Simple Jack in the movie, who is referred to in marketing material as a "retard".

The description and portrayal prompted a number of organisations to protest to bosses at studio DreamWorks - who have now agreed to meet in person with representatives of the disability groups.

Anne Sommers, from the American Association of People with Disabilities, tells the New York Times: "We want to be really plain about what our issues are with the movie."

In its defence, DreamWorks executives insist the movie intends to mock the film industry and not disabled people.