Actress Sally Phillips has spoken out about the severe online abuse directed at her son, Olly, following his appearance in the 2016 BBC documentary "A World Without Down's Syndrome?" Phillips, who co-parents Olly, 21, with her ex-husband Andrew Bermejo, stated that the film, intended to showcase family life and the challenges and joys of raising a child with Down's syndrome, also explored prenatal testing and societal prejudice.
Phillips revealed that following the documentary's airing, "people said the most horrible things" about her son. She told The Sunday Times that Olly has been subjected to online bullying and expressed concern about the sensitivity of individuals with Down's syndrome to negative experiences. She suggested that a social media environment safe for people with Down's syndrome would benefit everyone, but noted the absence of such a space.
Reflecting on the documentary, Phillips indicated that the experience "cost her" and she is uncertain about producing a follow-up. However, she remains committed to creating content that features individuals with Down's syndrome. "Even when I did that film, people said the most horrible things," she recalled, adding that she believes "nothing good has ever come out of social media."
More recently, in 2024, Phillips expressed her dismay after Olly was denied access to a London trampoline park, Oxygen Acton. She explained that the venue refused entry, citing a policy that requires individuals with Down's syndrome to present a doctor's note. Phillips recounted the incident for BBC Breakfast, stating, "Olly is used to being able to do what his contemporaries (do) ... so we went with his younger brother, and younger brother's friend, and we've been hundreds of times before, and the lady on the desk says, 'oh, sorry, can I have a word?' and called the manager over... I was so, so upset for Olly to be prevented."
Phillips suggested this policy effectively excludes individuals with visible disabilities, while those with invisible disabilities are not subject to the same requirements. She noted that Olly, a member of the British Gymnastics association, has had X-rays for neck instability issues, but these did not provide the specific information needed for such activities. As a patron of the Down's Syndrome Association, Phillips highlighted the administrative burden placed on parents of children with special needs to navigate requirements for ordinary activities.
"We can spend weeks and weeks not leaving the house, just filling in forms for our children to be able to do very, very normal things," she said, adding that the number of parents who have faced similar situations, even with children who are accomplished gymnasts, indicates a broader issue that needs addressing. Phillips emphasized the significant psychological impact on children who are singled out and excluded from activities that their peers can readily participate in.
A spokesperson for Oxygen Activeplay apologized for the incident, stating, "We are deeply sorry that Sally's son, Olly, was not able to participate and was left disappointed." The company cited adherence to the Safe Participation Guidance from British Gymnastics, which includes specific circumstances prior to participation. The spokesperson added, "We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the relevant parties to review the current guidance and enable as much active play as we can, safely."