‘ANTM’ Winner Nyle DiMarco Calls Jamie Foxx ‘Disrespectful’ For Making Up Sign Languages On ‘Tonight Show’

“America’s Next Top Model” Cycle 22 winner Nyle DiMarco recently called Jamie Foxx “disrespectful” for making up sign language during his “The Tonight Show” appearance.

On his Twitter account, the 28-year-old model posted a letter addressing Foxx’s behavior on Friday night’s episode of “The Tonight Show.” DiMarco started off by saying that Foxx’s behavior on television should not be tolerated anywhere. “We simply do not make fun at the expense of other cultures especially those with a history of being marginalized. If we do this, progress takes a step backward,” he wrote.

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DiMarco went on to explain why he decided to create the Nyle DiMarco Foundation. The “Dancing With the Stars” Season 22 winner said that not all people who are unable to hear have access to sign language. This is why the organization is focused on making sure that deaf kids will be able to learn how to sign properly before they turn five. “What Foxx did on ‘Fallon Tonight’ made out struggle that much harder,” he continued.

Prior to writing a letter, DiMarco already called out Foxx right after his interview aired on television. Also on his Twitter account, the “Switched at Birth” recurring guest star called the funny man “straight up disrespectful.” He also attached a copy of the Foxx’s video and said that everything he saw the him do was in gibberish.

In a follow up tweet, DiMarco directed his post to “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon and asked how Foxx’s actions were allowed on this late night talk show. As of late, Foxx and Fallon have not yet responded to DiMarco’s tweets or apologized for what happened, but NBC already reached out to the model/actor, according to TV Guide.

DiMarco made headlines in 2015 when he became the first ever deaf contestant to join and win “America’s Next Top Model” Cycle 22. Prior to this, he also starred in Freeform’s “Switched at Birth” Season 3, episode 18. He returned to the series in Season 4 and played the role of Bay’s (Vanessa Marano) short-lived fling, Garrett.

In 2016, he competed in ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” Season 22 with his pro partner, Pete Murgatroyd. He became the first deaf contestant to join the reality TV competition. He also brought home the prestigious Mirrorball trophy.