NASCAR Driver Hailie Deegan Apologizes For Using “R” Word on Twitch, Must Take Sensitivity Training

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NASCAR driver Hailie Deegan found herself apologizing on Twitter this week after she said “retard” on Twitch during a virtual race which of course went viral.

The clip which got her into hot water is below:

“OH HEY! WHO’S THE RETARD BEHIND ME? DON’T DO THAT PLEASE.”

She offered the following apology shortly after:

“Earlier tonight I used an insensitive word during an online race being broadcast on twitch. It was inappropriate slang and a stupid thing to do. I apologize to everyone who was offended by it. There’s no excuse for it, and I know I have to do better for my sponsors and my fans.”

In a statement, NASCAR said she was required to take sensitivity training:

NASCAR officials will require driver Hailie Deegan to take sensitivity training before the 2021 season after her use of an offensive word during an online racing stream Sunday.

The 19-year-old driver is set for her first season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this year with David Gilliland Racing. She made her series debut with the team last October at Kansas Speedway.

Deegan is a three-time winner in what is now called the ARCA Menards Series West.

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