A Member of the European Parliament, Fidias Panayiotou, has said sorry. He used a very bad word about athletes with learning disabilities. These words were said on a podcast about two months ago. Many people are now angry. Groups for people with disabilities are upset. They say he is spreading bad ideas.
Panayiotou used a Greek word that means "fools" or "madmen." He used it for athletes in the S14 category. These athletes have intellectual impairments. The podcast was recorded in November. People did not know about it until recently. Panayiotou then made a video to apologise. He said, "This time they were right to do so." He also said he did not mean to use the word. Many people do not believe him.
The Cyprus Psychologists Association spoke out strongly. They said his words were hurtful and wrong. They also said respect is always important. They pointed out the word was public for two months. This makes his excuse of not meaning it hard to believe.
The Cyprus Confederation of Organisations for the Disabled (KYSOS) also released a statement. They spoke for Paralympic athlete Marios Philippou. KYSOS did not accept Panayiotou's apology. They said it was not good enough. They also said his idea that people are angry for political reasons is wrong. They called this an insult.
Panayiotou belongs to a new political group. He said the anger against him is to hurt his party. KYSOS said this is also an insult. They believe people are angry to protect those who are vulnerable. The disability groups clearly do not accept his apology. This shows the damage to his reputation.