Snowboarder Shaun White apologises to the Special Olympics for Halloween costume

Shaun White of United States celebrates after winning the Men's Halfpipe Final at the Winter Olympics. Photo /Getty

Skateboarder and Olympic snowboarder Shaun White has apologised for dressing like an intellectually disabled character from the movie 'Tropic Thunder' at a Halloween party.

White posted the picture of himself on Instagram as 'Simple Jack,' Ben Stiller's character who is often referred to by the r-word during the film. The location of the party is not made clear in the Instagram post.

Stiller took significant criticism in 2008, when the movie was released, as disability groups organized a 'Rally for Respect' in response. Ultimately DreamWorks pictures executives met with groups to discuss concerns about the character.

Now White is being panned by the Special Olympics.

Shaun White, right, dressed as Simple Jack. Photo / Instagram

'We are truly disappointed that Shaun White, an acclaimed Olympian, would choose this costume which is so offensive and causes so much pain,' Soeren Palumbo, co-founder of Special Olympics' 'Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign' said in an official statement.

"Disability is not a joke nor should it be a punchline. We hope that Shaun White and others learn that this just continues stigma, stereotypes and discrimination."

White's agent did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White, who has not responded to the criticism publicly, also took heat on Instagram.

"I'm not sure if it's worse that this is an actual movie or that you'd think it's okay to mock individuals who have disabilities. It's 2018, man. #spreadthewordtoendtheword #rwordhurts," wrote one commenter.

Another person responded by writing, "You're a real POS! Really? At the expense of those who can't defend themselves?? Hope you're working on your lame apology speech...I know this will be deleted!! Grow up you douche! #spreadthewordtoendtheword #specialolympics."

And yet another objector wrote: "This is the most disgusting thing I have seen.. I hope you choke on your medals! On behalf of my special needs child - They are not a joke nor are they a punchline or costume! F***You Mr. Olympic boy!!!"

In February, White cemented his legacy as the most successful American snowboarder of all time after winning his third Olympic gold medal during the Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Known as 'The Flying Tomato' for his red hair, White is one of the best-known athletes in skateboarding and snowboarding after winning several X Games titles in both.

In 2016, White was accused by Bad Things drummer Lena Zawaideh of sexual harassment and a breach of contract, but the two settled out of court. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In 2012, White was arrested in Nashville for public intoxication and vandalism.

White took to Twitter on Monday to apologize for his choice of outfit.

He wrote: "I owe everyone in the Special Olympics community an apology for my poor choice of Halloween costume the other night.

"It was a last minute decision. It was the wrong one. The Special Olympics were right to call me out on it.

"They do great work supporting so many tremendous athletes and I am sorry for being insensitive. Lesson learned."