Sarah Palin has slammed Family Guy over a Down syndrome joke that mocked her toddler son.
The former US Republican vice presidential candidate said the gag "felt like another kick in the gut" after the animated comedy appeared to make a reference to her disabled 22-month-old son Trig.
In an episode aired on Sunday night, teenager Chris Griffin dates a "Down syndrome girl" named Ellen.
"My dad's an accountant, and my mom's the former governor of Alaska," she says during dinner, in reference to Palin.
The disabled girl is also referred to as "just a little crooked-walking" and "a special person's wettest dream" throughout the show.
"People are asking me to comment on yesterday’s Fox show that felt like another kick in the gut," Palin wrote on Facebook.
"[Daughter] Bristol was one who asked what I thought of the show that mocked her baby brother, Trig (and/or others with special needs), in an episode yesterday.
"Instead of answering, I asked her what she thought … [she said] 'Insults directed at our youngest brother hurt too much for us to remain silent'."
Bristol also labelled the show's writers "heartless jerks", Palin said.
Down Syndrome Victoria agreed the Family Guy episode crossed the line.
"People with Down syndrome enjoy a good joke and a laugh as much as the next person — we just don't believe jokes have to be cruel to be funny," Executive Officer Catherine McAlpine said.
"It's a pretty low form of humour to have a go at someone via their child with Down syndrome."
Palin last month signed a multi-year political commentator deal with Fox News — which falls under the same corporation that airs Family Guy.
She also recently attacked White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and political commentator Rush Limbaugh for both using the word "retard".
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