Judge Judy responds to criticism of disability comments

TORONTO – Judge Judy Sheindlin is clarifying comments she made last week on Fox News about Americans who receive disability benefits for conditions like Lupus.

During an appearance on The Kelly File, the Judge Judy star listed drug addicts, alcoholics and people with problems like back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome as examples of those she believes should not receive aid.

“I think what we’ve done to a whole group of people is say ‘Not to worry, if you can’t take care of yourself, we’ll take care of you,’” said Sheindlin, 71.

Referring to a daughter-in-law with Lupus, she said: “Some days she’s tired but most of the time she gets up and does what she has to do.”

That sparked criticism from a number of viewers, including Malissa Rose Reed.

“It hurt me that she acted as if Lupus was not a disability,” she wrote on Facebook. “Well I’ve had Lupus for almost 10 years now and it has disabled me. I lost my career because I could not work 9-10 hours a day, 7 days a week anymore. I am tired, my memory is not as good, I ache the majority of the time.”

In a statement posted Friday on her official Facebook page, Sheindlin said her comments may have been “misunderstood by some.”

Sheindlin said she has a daughter with Multiple Sclerosis and a daughter-in-law who was diagnosed with Lupus 27 years ago.

“I am totally familiar with the course of both and the different ways they affect different people. Both of these women have good days and bad ones and both have worked and raised three children,” explained Sheindlin. “Neither of them has ever sought disability.”

Sheindlin said her remarks on The Kelly File were aimed at “people who use the diagnosis of that disease or any other disease as an excuse not to work even if they are able to work.”

The outspoken TV judge, whose syndicated courtroom series is in its 18^th season, added: “I apologize if my comments were perceived differently.”