Parkinson's UK challenge American rapper over offensive lyrics

The chief executive of Parkinson’s UK has spoken out about American rapper Kanye West’s choice of offensive lyrics in a song on his new album.

In the song, Mr West has included lyrics which are perceived to ridicule one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease sparking outrage from the charity, which provides support for people living with the everyday effects incurable condition.

The lyric from the performers new album included the words: “get this b* * * h shaking like Parkinson's”.

Steve Ford, chief executive of Parkinson’s UK said: “Kanye West has shown an inexcusable level of stupidity and cruelty towards people living with an incurable condition.

“Life with Parkinson's is difficult enough without becoming fodder for insensitive celebrities, who should know better, looking for their next big hit.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition which affects around 127,000 people in the UK. The disease occurs when people don’t get enough of the chemical dopamine, causing movements to become slower and harder and mainly affects people aged 50 and over.

Mr Ford continued: “People with Parkinson’s have to cope with intolerable social discrimination on a daily basis – often to the point where they are afraid to go out in public.

"This sort of thoughtless, callous comment can only serve to make things even worse for them.”

Sharing the views of Parkinson’s UK, the American Parkinson Disease association has also spoken out against the rapper.

Mr West has yet to comment on the offense caused by the lyrics.