To People Who Think Chris Is Being Exploited 

I'm a special needs teacher and I'm proud of what you doing because it puts a positive spot light on special needs people

Parent of a special needs kid here: special needs people want to be treated like everyone else. Period. Good job Rickey. God bless your heart.

My adult son has Down Syndrome and as a parent of a child with special needs I absolutely love what you do with Chris! They want to live a life that is as close to normal as possible! Anybody who has an issue with it needs to go away. Especially if they don't have a special needs child! This really pissed me off, Ricky I appreciate what you do with Chris, please don't stop! You are amazing, although you do alot of spectacular things this is the best thing you have ever done! Thank You Ricky! Chris is living his dream, his best life 💝💙💙

As a special needs father, I would love for you to give my daughter a chance to be around you. Thank you so much for what you do brother!

Chris is not being exploited, he is being mentored, loved ,exposed to traveling ,public speaking and expressing himself freely without judgement. He is clearly loved and happy, and taken care of.

Ricky, I am a case manager that works with Special Needs Adults. People don’t understand that this is the goal for ID/ DD adults in programs across the country. The ultimate goal is make sure they are integrated into our ‘normal” society as a functioning citizen. Chris is being paid which means Chris has a job. Chris is living his dream. He is blessed because he gets to live out his dreams. Most Special Needs Adults don’t get this opportunity because the supports and the push is not there. From someone who works in this field, you are doing the right thing. He is living his best life.

You're a very genuine person Rick, it was very thoughtful of you to give Chris a chance to do great things in life. A lot of people wouldn't have gave people like Chris or Miss Janie a chance to shine like you brother so keep up the good work man, God is watching you and you will be rewarded.

No, Seriously What I love about your friendship with Chris is that most people overlook special needs people but I love that you hang out with him and you treat him like an adult and with respect. Most people who have special needs miss out on a lot of things in life but you are giving him a fun and full life experience. Don't bother explaining yourself to people who project their narrow & dark views onto you. Also, people MUST know by now that getting roasted is an equal opportunity for all when it comes to Rickey Smiley 😂😂😂

My special needs son is 15 and he doesn't have any friends. I enjoy seeing Chris interact with others. Rickey you are being a real friend to him. Chris has a wonderful personality and he's a people person. No one is exploiting him! The world should see special needs people in a NEW light due to Chris doing everyday things and enjoying his quality of life.

Leave Chris alone. Rickey continue doing what you're doing for Chris.

Thank you Ricky for setting people straight ❤️I worked with special need people

Thanks Rickey, the world needs Chris! just like we need you and your brand of humor as well as your love for human beings.

Chris has actually paved the way for more young black special needs actors, singers and comedians, He’s literally a pioneer. I love it and great Job Ricky for being the platform that Chris can shine on. He’s naturally talented.

People are just miserable. Ricky done help many people throughout his life. And accusations of him exploiting someone is just foolish.

You are not exploiting Chris on ANY level! You two are hilarious! I love what you just said about us not understanding the nonspecial needs rappers every word! Your a good…funny man! Glad you checked everyone! ♥️💯👍🏾

Everything you do for Chris and has done has been extremely helpful and genuine. Much respect to you 👏🏾. Majority of people are weird and sensitive in today's society they have a issue with everything. Now that show would be dope and exciting.

It’s sad that you had to explain this to people. The elderly and special needs people are some of the most neglected and thank you for extending your love and time to them. God bless you Rickey!

Rickey you are there for Chris and Ms Jannie. You are not exploiting him! You are a comedian and obviously people don’t watch the family chemistry! I need to see more of you and Ms Jannie cooking!!!

I feel you. I grew up in "the ghetto," so I was exposed to various types of people so I was able to relate to all types of people with all types of issues. I never looked down on anyone.

Keep up the Great work that You’re doing for Chris, Ms. Janey and all the support You give to others!!! We love You Rickey!!! 🙏🏽💕🙏🏽💕🙏🏽

Rickey I work with Special needs adults. They want to be treated like anyone else. Why not let Chris do karaoke. Rickey I love the relationship you and Chris have.

I know you're so tired of always having to explain yourself. It must be exhausting. I hear you Rickey

Ricky, I salute you for this. There was a Chris in my neighborhood so, I understand. His name was Chip. I appreciate the love you have and show to our special people!!! God knows your ❤️

Anyone can see the genuine friendship between Rickey and Chris. I love watching the two of them interact.

The smiles and the confidence that Chris exudes speaks for itself. He is truly happy and loved dearly by many. ❤️

I have 20 plus years of working with people with developmental disabilities. Countless people would love the opportunity you have provided for Chris. Continue to bless him and you will continue to get blessed!

I'm so glad I have never seen negative comments about this. We love Chris and everything you do with him.... don't stop what you are doing Rickey...I am so grateful to be able to witness the love and enjoyment of you and your relationships with all...we absolutely love Ms. Janie too... Spread love y'all 🥰🥰💃🏽

Ricky, you are love personified. Keep being a blessing. We love you Omega Man.

The people who think that he's exploiting Chris are projecting their own guilt. Chris is LIVING HIS LIFE! So many people with similar exceptions don't have anyone to show them love.

Rickey, I appreciate that you treat Chris like an adult human being. He is not being exploited and seems to love the opportunities you've given him.

I have worked with a special need Individuals since 1999. Started in Hollywood, Florida Rickey. They are people too and supposed to be equally loved. Continue to mentor that young man. It is 2022 and I have my own business. A home for adults with disabilities. I love what I do, do what you love 💕💕💕💕

I am the proud brother of a special needs beautiful sister and I would like to thank you my brother for exposing the world to the joy of having a special needs loved one in your life and that they enjoy the same things as the rest of us 💙

I never thought that he was being exploited. I know that it takes a lot to care for a special needs person. I’m sure his caregiver appreciates the breaks they get when he’s with you. But I only see love in your interaction with him. As well as Ms. Janie. I say keep up the good seeds you’re sewing. And be blessed

Rickey, I work in higher education and have created and executed successful programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for over 15 years. The karaoke nights for Chris gives him something to look forward to and encourages him to socialize with others. This is vital in the lives of individuals with IDD ! This gives them reasons to thrive in life!

Hello Ricky I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity that you are allowing this young man to have. I work with special need adults and would love to see one of my clients have the opportunity to have what Chris has. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more interactions with you and Chris.

You don’t owe anyone any explanation for what you are doing you’re helping Chris. I have a special needs child he is hilarious. Special needs people have a sense of humor too. Keep doing what you are doing you’re being a Blessing and a mentor at the same time.

Anything you can do to build up and highlight Chris life beyond the challenges . Is super because it’s genuine the respect and happiness you have for Chris. So many people have family that don’t spend time or care about them. Just don’t give a damn about what judgmental people think. He thrives around you and he lights up social media.Everyone can see that. Thanks for sharing Chris with us, Jan 🙏👍🏼❤️❤️

Think about how Chris would be affected if this was taken away from him. Keep doing what you're doing Ricky. Love.

Man Rickey keep doing what u doing. My nephew has autism and more. All I did was take him outside with me and hit the block and my friends and they watch over him as well and treated him like he had no issue at all so he can feel apart

Don't let anyone get in your head. Rickey, you & your Crew are a blessing🙏to all, you'll interact with, Silly. Thanks for Mrs. Jannie, Chris & all the blessed people, you touch in their heart/lives.❤

Man you’re doing great thing for Chris. You’re giving him confidence, bringing out his personality and his sense of humor. Keep doing what you’re doing Rickey

Chris is living his BEST life and Stevie Wonder could see that!! Y’all “offended about everything” people get on my nerves!

I LOVE seeing this, my son has Down Syndrome and this helped give me hope that he can do great things as well... thank you tremendously for this!!! God Bless

I absolutely love your relationship with Chris. Heck, I wanna meet Chris myself. Ms. Janie and Chris are the highlight for me with Karaoke!! Yes you should do a Reality Show!! I’m definitely watching. Rickey, don’t worry about what those naysayers are saying because God Got You!!

I've worked with adults with special needs for 27 years and I see nothing wrong with your interactions with Chris. I love your relationship with him.

Ricky you’ve changed Chris’s life, he’s living his dream of being onstage and being an entertainer. I’m thankful that you’ve introduced us to Chris and letting us see how normal he is despite being labeled as someone with special needs. Chris is indeed special, and the only thing he needs is love. Continue to be his role model.

People are always commenting, but if asked to help you want be able to find them. Thank you, Ricky. Continue to use your gifts. I love every moment! You truly don't have to explain yourself to anyone! This is your business and your business only!

I WILL ABSOLUTELY WATCH IT! You are an amazing person and laughter comes from God. Thank you for loving Chris and seeing the value of his life❤

I had an uncle, Sterling that had a knack to deal with special needs people, etc. There are special people like you, who are God sent that are so needed in today's world!

Chris is a inspiration to the disabled community my 29 year old disabled daughter loves him he makes her day!!! the platform Ricky have given him has and will encourage disabled children and adults to be the best that they can be at whatever they want to be in life, why he can't be great!!! keep doing what God has called you to do Ricky....p.s. it would be great if he could do tours at the disabled schools they would love it 💞

Rickey, I just love you. Everything you stand for. You teach the lessons. Every community needs someone like you. A real positive leader. ❤️❤️❤️

I work with the special needs population and I enjoy the interaction you have with Chris. Chris doesn’t want you to treat him like he has a disability. Many of my students fight for equality and respect. Keep up the good work.

You are Not exploiting Chris. You are , if ANYTHING being a friend and mentor to Chris. What's wrong with him being recorded? Just keep doing what you been doing with Chris. These same people probably think no special needs people should be anywhere. Just keep doing what you're doing. YOU'RE doing a GREAT thing. Love your show

Society has traditionally and historically pushed away the elderly and the disabled. Your platform gives them the opportunity to live freely. Chris does his prayers faithfully before his shows.💙

Some people are just so negative and project their negativity onto everyone because they're miserable. Keep loving Chris the way you have and allowing us to love him too. Thanks for your support and love for us.

Gm Ricky. I love what you're doing with Chris. I have 2 autistic and adhd sons. My youngest is non verbal. Age 7 and 3. I never put a limit on what they can do. I treat them no different than the rest. Does it get hard, yes, but I will never give up teaching my kids that, never let anyone tell you that you're not good enough. You can and will be whoever you chose to be in life, regardless of a condition. I love you,Chris, and Mrs. Jannie 🥰

I love you Rickey! I know Chris is grateful to have you in his life. The people criticizing you are probably selfish & wouldn’t take the time with a special needs person. Keep on doing the Lord’s work 🙏🏾

I love the way Ricky takes up time with Chris and treat him without looking at his special needs ( hopefully that’s a ok way to say it) it’s giving him a chance to live life normal, giving him the opportunity to do things that most people with his situation will never have the chance to experience. And I’m happy for Chris and keep up the good work. There’s always some people who will try and turn positive into negative

Some people will always find something negative to say in the mix of something good. Ricky, thank you for loving Chris the way you do. It's unconditional love that you're given. To hell with all the negative comments, they will never understand the assignment. God bless you, Ricky!!

Man that's a winner reality show. I love what you do and never question your intent. Keep doing you Rick. One love!

Chris IS NOT BEING EXPLOITED!!! He is being INCLUDED!!!!!

It's a shame this even has to be explained

I love Chris! I've loved you Rickey Smilely since day one! I apologize. In my ignorance I initially thought Chris was being ridiculed & exploited. I no longer feel that way. I had a Cousin who was down syndrome who is no longer with us. Like Chris he Loved folks and loved the night life especially the pretty ladies! 🤣 He and Chris were almost identical. I never stopped watching your videos with Chris and I see clearly how great a gift Chris is to us ! The sincerity and the Love you show Chris gives his life an immense sense of love, acceptance, and belonging. Chris IS a Super star! And you inspire him to shine all the more. I love you all for that! Thanks for empowering & mentoring Chris. Actually teaching him how to be a man, to be able to contribute to so many, especially his family! ✌❤

I think that what you’re doing is amazing and I think that some people will follow suit. All it takes is one person to initiate a thing and then it becomes the norm…in this instance I hope it does! Good job Rickey!

It's called INCLUSION!! Chris' confidence has increased significantly and you are teaching him life lessons. 💫💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

As long as Chris is happy and his mom is happy, it’s all good.

God bless you Ricky. Thank you for being a wonderful friend and mentor for Chris and his family. I wish every young person had a wonderful person like you.

Keep doing what you do Ricky. I love you guys. The love between each of you is Awesome!! You're Blessing to each other. God Bless you all🙏❤🙏

It's a lot of energy explaining yourself to haters but sometimes you just have to check people and this was one of those times. You did that Ricky. God knows your heart ❤ and even a blind man can see you are genuine. Please keep doing what you do because some people like me need you. I recently lost my mom and when I am feeling low, I pull out my phone and watch you, Chris, and Miss Janie! Yes, I will watch your new show with Chris and Miss Janie. Much Love❤

Having worked with people with mild, moderate and severely disabilities for years. You are not exploiting Chris you are in fact merging him into the community that look down on the population of people with disabilities. Bravo to you Rickey keep up the good work 👍🏽👍🏽

I love you an your show. You’re an amazing person with a kind heart. After church, prayers and family, you and your friends are definitely one of my happy place. Keep doing what you do🤴🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

I can tell you firsthand all they want is to be treated with respect and common space like the rest of us. Keep blessing him Rickey. Keep up yo job big dawg!

Love will conquer hate.Haters will be haters.Chris and Ricky are winners.

It’s sad that you even have to explain this to people. You keep doing what you do Ricky. I understand exactly what you are doing and your heart for Chris. When I was young, we had a family in our neighborhood that I foster kids, and two of them were special needs. I loved going over there and playing with them because they were fun and they deserved to have a childhood like everyone else. My other neighborhood friends didn’t like me going over there and actually beat me up one day for playing with them but I continued to go over there. Some people just have the right heart to associate with special needs people. They are human, they have needs and desires, and the deserve to have a happy life. I applaud what you are doing.

I feel your heart in what you do Rickey. I love what you do for the people you love. God Bless❤

Brother Ricky Smiley. I too am a special needs teacher and a 1984 Bama State graduate. The best thing you can do is keep Chris on the stage. Keep grinding brother!!!!. I am proud of Chris and all of the special need individuals that have the balls to get on stage. Peace. 👌🏾

To be honest I really believe if Chris felt that he was being “exploited,” mistreated, or made fun of he would say something about it. Chris is living his best life.

That was never a thought of mine. All I see is you helping him. Taking him places he would never have gone, Introducing him to things he never would have experience if It had not been for you. Ricky keep doing your thing and dont worry about what others think or say.

Rickey… thank you brother for helping through the day in the mornings in Cleveland. I am my husband’s Dementia caregiver. Keeping him out of the nursing home during this pandemic! Chris Rock is my hero, you are my light, through comedy! Do What you do. Keep speaking the truth! Shout out to, Gary with the Tea…

Rickey my son is special needs and in a wheelchair he loves chris and ms Janie he watches your show everyday and it's a real treat when you involve chris and ms Janie.WE LOVE YOU RICKEY SMILEY!!!!!!

I hunt for any & all things Ms Janie & Chris because they make me cry from laughing so hard. Keep being a blessing to others Rickey as you will continue to be blessed.

I watched Chris before he met you. He was on the street corner, smoking weed and taunting the police. You are a blessing to Chris, and Chris is a bless to us!

I appreciate you sharing your experiences with (and compassion for) people with disabilities and your RELATIONSHIP with Chris. Though you owe NO ONE any explanation about your relationship with Chris, your post is what we (people with disabilities and our supporters) call a “teachable moment”. Good point about the difference between exposure and exploitation. There’s also something called “Dignity of Risk” which you help Chris to experience. It’s disheartening that society still has so much to learn about people with disabilities, our right to take risk, our desire for opportunities (and genuine relationships) rather than to be sheltered, hidden, or separated from people without disabilities. It is also important that society stop referring to people with disabilities as SPECIAL NEEDS. Our life needs are no different from any other human being (with the exception of HOW we achieve our needs). Our need to do things differently should not define us.

Good stuff Rickey! You had me tearing up. GOD Bless you 🙏🏾

YOU DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF! It hurts my feelings that you feel that you need to explain yourself. Keep doing what you do!

Hey bro rick ive watched you interact with chris plenty of times, as a father of a 28 year old special need's son, i applaud you for your love of chris, your kindness and respect you give him, allowing him to work is just beautiful icing on the cake, ALL PRAISES TO THE MOST HIGH, i really appreciate what your doing, thank you.

We love Chris too. Just cause he is special needs doesn't mean he needs to get locked up and hidden. Please continue to to guide him and open doors for him❤️.

Thanks for supporting and mentoring Chris. I work in the field of special education and for many of our students socializing with peers ends after graduation from High School. Many adults with special needs graduate and sit home doing nothing. As parents get older, they don’t have the energy to ensure their adult children with special needs have a social life. I find this so sad. Why can’t we accept all human beings. You accept him as he is and you have given him a platform, a career, and most importantly, a social life. I thank you for setting a great example. Don’t worry about the nay sayers. The days of hiding people because they are different from what we perceive as “normal” is over. We all have differences and we are all created in God’s likeness and image. I am praying for you and don’t stop!

Rickey this is not exploitation it’s inclusion. I love that you have spotlighted Chris and allowed him to have an opportunity. He is doing better than most ! I actually want to come to Karaoke night just to witness it in real time.

I learned from my mother who was a special needs teacher for years to have tolerance. We would go to the Special Olympics in Tory Alabama because I'm from Mobile and my mom brought one of her students home every weekend. I would never forget Earnest Powe. He had older parents and my mom would make sure he was cleaned up and had clean clothes. When she came home one weekend without him he had passed away. It was like we lost a brother. Fond memories.

You are an inspiration to the special needs community. You are also teaching your children and grandchildren that all people are the same and should be treated the same. Keep up the great work.

Ricky, I love how you ♥️ on Chris and how you let him enjoy what he do. I had a brother that had Down syndrome and he loved yo dance, sing and tell jokes. I wish that my brother was still here. I remember way back in the day my oldest brother was a DJ and got us tickets to Michael Jackson concert and my brother with down syndrome was crazy about Michael Jackson when itellyou that he dance all night doing all the Michael Jackson moves. Ricky keep doing what you do by touching people lives. I see how you care and love Chris. People are always going to have something to so. Rather it's good or bad.

It’s a blessing for Chris to be able to have a happy and fun fulfilling life. There are many whom have been treated differently and pushed away. You’re giving him the life he desires and that is a blessing. I worked 19 1/2 years with special needs and wish they had the opportunities that Chris has. Blessings to you and all you’re doing. Many live away from home in facilities and Residential Homes and they don’t have the fun and excitement Chris has more or less have the opportunity to fulfill their dream.🙏🏽❤️

As a Special Educator, ypu have something that I wish my colleagues and other people would have, Compassion .Love...REALNESS and the ability to see him as a normal person unlike those watching. Its really touchy feely for others to accept because they don't work with them nor do they live with anybody that has a special need. Luv keep doing what you're doing because God sees your heart and Chris will respect and love U for making this happen. I taught a special needs kid name Thomas Sively in Memphis he's the same way. He has created his own Facebook page and creates his own comedy and its so funny. Your ideas are great and I will watch and support. Next time your in Dallas let me know I'm there. Love you bruh💙 Stay the course💪💯

I'm mad that you even felt the need to address this. You know what you do for Chris and the impact you have in his life. My son has Autism and he LOVES a party. And everybody loves him because he is genuine and true to himself, and he is funny as hell.

You don't owe no one an explanation man keep doing what you are doing!!! I house individuals with mental and physical disabilities in my home and I love them better than my family! I love seeing Chris and bro you are doing a wonderful thing for Chris and God will truly bless you for taking care of his special babies!! Love you man

To anybody who thinks this , it's absolutely mind blowing. Keep loving on people the way you do Rickey. We need more souls like you cause often forget or have no patients for the Chris's of this world. We love you and we know that it's not exploration but letting him feel as normal as possible

There's absolutely no way that you are exploiting that young man. If anything you are giving him the opportunity to experience life as an adult which is beautiful to see. People always have something negative to say yet at the same time what are they doing to help those less fortunate or those that are special needs in their own communities? Not one thing so mr. Smiley you keep doing what you doing and pay them fools no mind they just jealous and clout chasing trying to get some attention from you.

Rickey it's crazy you have to explain this to people & their ignorance if they watch all the videos they would see the love you have for both of them thank you for stepping up & being a great man to even be in their lives keep up the great work

Chris is gainfully employed and a partner with a Nationally syndicated premier radio show, multiple decade Top level comedian, and Chris has his own platform last time I checked. Rick you are official and real. The work needs more individuals like you!