‘Love on the Spectrum’ star Dani Bowman calls out ‘Euphoria’ and The Rock over slur use

Dani Bowman has criticised the continued use of the R word in mainstream entertainment, specifically calling out scenes involving Euphoria and comments previously made by Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock.

The Love on the Spectrum star addressed the issue during a recent interview with TMZ, where she argued that the term remains offensive to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities despite increasing public awareness around inclusive language. Bowman, who is autistic and has become a prominent advocate for neurodiversity representation through the Netflix reality series, said entertainment figures should be more mindful of the words they use and the influence those moments can have on audiences.

Her remarks about Euphoria focused on scenes from the HBO drama in which the slur was used in dialogue. The series, known for its provocative storytelling and depiction of teenage life, has often generated discussion around its handling of sensitive subjects. Bowman suggested that the continued appearance of the term in popular television contributes to its normalisation, even when used within fictional narratives.

She also referenced older footage involving Johnson from his wrestling career, during which the former WWE star used the slur in televised promos that aired during a different era of entertainment culture. Bowman acknowledged that attitudes toward language have changed significantly since the late 1990s and early 2000s, but maintained that revisiting those clips now highlights how common such language once was in mainstream media.

Johnson has not publicly responded to Bowman’s recent comments. Over the years, however, many entertainers and networks have adjusted language standards in response to changing cultural attitudes and disability advocacy campaigns. Several organisations dedicated to disability rights have pushed for the removal of the word from television, film, and public discourse, arguing that it carries a long history of stigma and discrimination.

Bowman’s criticism quickly generated online discussion, with supporters praising her for speaking openly about representation and respect toward disabled communities. Others debated whether older media should be judged by present day standards or viewed within the context of the time in which it was produced.

Since appearing on Love on the Spectrum, Bowman has built a public platform focused on autism awareness, independent living, and inclusion within the entertainment industry. Her comments arrive during a broader conversation across Hollywood and television about accountability, language, and the way older material is reassessed by modern audiences.