University students apologise after sign-language video backlash

Two university students at the centre of a social media video that drew criticism over its treatment of sign-language interpretation have apologised.

They say they now understand that their actions were wrong and could have offended others.

In separate written statements, the students said they did not intend to mock, disrespect or judge deaf people or sign language.

One of the students, Marika Binatagi, apologised and said the incident had taught them an important lesson about being responsible for what they post and share online.

“We sincerely apologise for our actions and for anyone who may have been hurt or offended by what happened. We did not intend to disrespect or make fun of sign language or the deaf community,” Mr Binatagi said.

He said the incident was a lesson for them to think carefully about their actions and the impact they could have on others.

Ateca Sawailau, who said she was behind the camera when the video was recorded, also apologised for her involvement.

She explained that she was filming while two friends were doing the explaining.

She said they believed they were simply making a random video for fun and laughs and did not intend to target or mock any deaf person.

“We were not trying to point out, judge, or mock any deaf person,” she said.

Ms Sawailau said she had already apologised to the person who raised the issue with her, but did not expect the video to spread widely on social media.

“We now understand that it was wrong and could have offended many people,” she said.

The students said they accept responsibility for their actions and regret the offence caused by the video.

They have asked those affected by the incident to accept their apologies, while acknowledging the need to be more careful about what they record, share and post on social media.

Following the video appearing to mock Fiji Sign Language by the students, the Fiji Association of the Deaf called or education rather than anger, saying the students should learn about deaf culture.

“We don’t hate them; we just want to correct them.”