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Terry Rossio, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of such family-friendly films as “Aladdin,” “Shrek” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” apologized Sunday for using the n-word in a tweet Friday.

“In a recent Twitter post, arguing against stereotyping and hate speech, I referenced the ‘n-word’ (the actual word) as an example of what not to do. That was a mistake. I am sorry,” he wrote. “I now understand that the word has no place in any conversation, ever.”

He went on to say, “You can’t make a point against hate speech and reference actual words of hate speech. That was insensitive and ignorant.” He added that he “immediately deleted” the post “to remove that toxic word from the internet, where it should never appear in any context.”

Also Read: 'Aladdin' Writer Terry Rossio Criticized for Using N-Word on Twitter

In Friday’s offensive tweet, Rossio said that calling people who are opposed to vaccinating their kids “anti-vax” is like calling someone the n-word.

“My heart goes out to all the parents of vaccine damaged children, who have to not only endure the sadness of their loss, but also the vitriol of ill-informed and insensitive people (such as those here). Anti-Vax is equivalent to calling someone a n–er and makes as little sense,” Rossio wrote. (He did not dash out the letters.)

Backlash came swiftly, with his comment being called, among many things, “not just ignorant, but also racist.“

Also Read: 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Writer to Pen Movie About Vaccine Scandal Surrounding Autism

You can read his complete apology in the tweets below.

You can't make a point against hate speech and reference actual words of hate speech. That was insensitive and ignorant.

I am immediately deleting the post to remove that toxic word from the
internet, where it should never appear in any context.

— Terry Rossio (@TerryRossio) November 25, 2018

As the mistake was mine alone, this apology is also mine alone. A deeply
felt apology to all.

I continue to stand against hate speech and dehuhmanizing lables in
any form.

— Terry Rossio (@TerryRossio) November 25, 2018

'Aladdin': 15 Facts You Probably Didn't Know (Photos)

Disney's "Aladdin" first flew into theaters on Nov. 25, 1992. Now, 25 years later, it still looms large as a defining animated film. TheWrap takes a look back at the classic as it celebrates the quarter-century mark.
Disney
Though based on the same-titled tale from "One Thousand and One Nights," "Aladdin" borrowed a number of elements from the 1940 fantasy adventure "The Thief of Baghdad." Examples include a princess on the run, a flying carpet, and an evil vizier named Jaffar.
United Artists
Directors John Musker and Ron Clements were set on Robin Williams playing the Genie from the start, but Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg wasn't sure. Forced to come up with alternatives, the directors reluctantly suggested Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, John Candy, Martin Short, Albert Brooks and John Goodman as potential replacements.
Getty Images
According to several accounts given by filmmakers over the years, animators took audio of a Williams routine and paired it with early sketches of the Genie in order to convince exec Jeffrey Katzenberg and actor Robin Williams of the casting choice. Both men loved the result, and Williams promptly signed on for the role.
Walt Disney Pictures
Robin Williams pulled double duty as both the Genie and the merchant from the opening scene. This was not meant to be a coincidence, as the merchant was meant to reveal himself as the Genie in disguise at the end. However, an ever-increasing movie length and a hard release date forced the directors to cut the scene.
Walt Disney Pictures
Original sketches made Aladdin look boyish. Some filmmakers noted he even resembled Michael J. Fox in "Back to the Future." Katzenberg, worried about how to sell Aladdin's masculinity, asked the animators to watch Tom Cruise movies as a reference point and redesign the character.
Universal Pictures/Paramount Pictures
Jasmine's appearance was based on actress Jennifer Connelly as well as the sister of one of the animators.
Walt Disney Pictures
Jafar was originally envisioned as a much more psychotic, dangerous character, while Iago was planned to be a British-voiced, calming influence. Once the directors decided to hire Gilbert Gottfried, however, the personalities were switched.
Walt Disney Pictures
Jonathan Freeman must love playing Jafar: He has voiced the character for "Return of Jafar," "Hercules," "House of Mouse" and the "Kingdom Hearts" series. He also originated the part on Broadway in 2011.

Also Read: ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ 30th: ‘Those Aren’t Pillows’ and 7 More Hysterical Zingers (Photos)
Getty Images/Walt Disney Pictures
Known for his improvisational skills, Robin Williams ad-libbed much of his performance. Even much of the opening merchant scene is improv: Jeffrey Katzenberg put a table full of props in the recording room and asked Williams to try and sell him the items.
Walt Disney Pictures
While working on "Aladdin," Williams kept in touch with his "Hook" director Steven Spielberg, who was then filming "Schindler's List." On days when Spielberg was particularly depressed from the shoot, Williams would tell him jokes over the phone to cheer him up.
TriStar Pictures
Here's one you may not have picked up on yet: Every time Aladdin lies as Prince Abooboo ("Ababwa"), his prominent purple turban feather falls forward.
Walt Disney Pictures
Not shy about self-promotion, Disney animators managed to sneak in cameos of Beast, Sebastian and Pinocchio throughout the film.
Walt Disney Pictures
Speaking of cameos, directors Musker and Clements were snuck into the film as the two men discussing "another suitor for the princess" while Aladdin watches.
Walt Disney Pictures
In exchange for working for union scale, Robin Williams asked the studio to not use his image (nor the Genie's), his name nor his voice to sell the movie or merchandise so that the publicity wouldn't overshadow his pet project, "Toys." Disney reneged on the deal, and Williams refused to return for the direct-to-video sequel, "Return of Jafar."
20th Century Fox
When Joe Roth took over Walt Disney Studios for Jeffrey Katzenberg in 1994, he issued a public apology to Williams on behalf of the studio. Williams returned to Disney and voiced the Genie once again for "Aladdin and the King of Thieves."

Also Read: The Boy Who Inspired ‘Hook’ and 19 Other Little-Known Facts as Film Turns 25 (Photos)
Getty Images

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Live-action movie starring Will Smith to be released in theaters May 24

Disney's "Aladdin" first flew into theaters on Nov. 25, 1992. Now, 25 years later, it still looms large as a defining animated film. TheWrap takes a look back at the classic as it celebrates the quarter-century mark.

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