has been slammed by Tony Hudgell's mother following her scathing rant about people with limb differences. The 10-year-old boy, who was sweetly nicknamed "best friend" after they met, managed to strike up a and was invited to join for

Tony, who is a keen fundraiser, had to as a result of neglect by his birth parents. He was placed in emergency foster care back in 2016 when he was a newborn and was later adopted by Paula and her husband Mark Hudgell. Earlier this month, controversial media personality Hopkins jumped online and posted a video on her YouTube, and mocking disabled people who had missing limbs.

In the clip, she was heard making gagging noises and saying that people with limb differences look like "the end of one of those smoked sausages" or a "cat's bum hole". The 50-year-old media personality's comments have led to numerous public criticisms, legal challenges, and media scrutiny.

In the live-stream video, Hopkins repeatedly said that people with shortened or missing limbs made her feel sick. She brutally referred to them and proceeded to imitate the way they looked. Hopkins said she "can't get away from the stumpy arms" and jibed at the BBC.

The broadcasting corporation states that it prides itself on actively employing

Tony Hudgell's mother, Paula, leapt to Instagram and posted a joint post with Ben Lovell, who is a proud amputee advocate and hit back following Hopkins's remarks.

They branded Hopkins as "disgusting" and "vile" on the online platform, claiming that her rant was triggering to the amputee community.

Paula, 57, from Maidstone, Kent, exclusively told the Daily Express: "As the mother of an amputee, I was deeply hurt and angered by the cruel and thoughtless comments made by Katie Hopkins about people living with limb loss. Her words cut far deeper than she likely realizes, and the impact they have on families like mine is devastating."

Tony's mother shed light on the brutality he went through at such a young age and added: "My son, Tony, did not choose to become an amputee. His life changed because of circumstances beyond his control-something that could happen to anyone.

He has faced this reality with bravery and resilience, which I am endlessly proud of. To see someone with a platform speak so callously about people like him is not only upsetting, it's dehumanizing."

Paula was left upset by Hopkins's remarks and shared: "No parent ever wants to see their child suffer, and it's hard enough watching them go through surgeries, recovery, and the daily challenges of adjusting to a new way of life. But to see them hurt again. This time by someone's public ridicule. It's heartbreaking beyond words.

Hopkins referred to her epilepsy diagnosis and attempted to justify her inflammatory comments by using the term "spaz" to describe herself.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star claimed she was "allowed" to make fun of others with disabilities.

Ben Lovell, who had his leg amputated back in 2017 and now runs Ampcamp Kids to give back to the community, told us that he was left shocked and triggered by Hopkins' slur.

Ben said: "Katie Hopkins's vile comments in her video have incredibly unsettled me not only for myself but for all the people in the amputee community." He went on to reveal that he has worked with many children who have been bullied "daily" and who have experienced similar comments.

Ben added: "To be subjected to it on social media by someone with such a high profile platform is just disgraceful, the people and children we meet lack body confidence, mental health issues and just a general feeling of no self-worth.

"Amputees deal with challenges daily, some days not even able to leave the house, something that they didn't choose but were dealt with. Katie Hopkins should feel extremely ashamed that she could have contributed to triggering someone's spiral into darkness and depression because her actions could how catastrophic effects on others."

The Daily Express has reached out to Katie Hopkins' representatives for comment.