(CNN) Screenwriter Terry Rossio has apologized for using a racial slur during a Twitter discussion about vaccinations.

In a now deleted tweet, Rossio wrote, "My heart goes out to all the parents of vaccine damaged children, who have to not only endure the sadness of their loss, but also the vitriol of ill-informed and insensitive people (such as those here). Anti-Vax is equivalent to calling someone a ni**er and makes as little sense."

The writer of films, including "Shrek" and "Aladdin," found himself coming under fire for the comment and apologized in a series of tweets.

(3 parts)

In a recent Twitter post, arguing against stereotyping and hate

speech, I referenced the 'n-word' (the actual word) as an example of what

not to do.



That was a mistake. I am sorry.



I now understand that the word has no place in any conversation, ever. — Terry Rossio (@TerryRossio) November 25, 2018

You can't make a point against hate speech and reference actual words of hate speech. That was insensitive and ignorant.



I am immediately deleting the post to remove that toxic word from the

internet, where it should never appear in any context. — Terry Rossio (@TerryRossio) November 25, 2018

As the mistake was mine alone, this apology is also mine alone. A deeply

felt apology to all.



I continue to stand against hate speech and dehuhmanizing lables in

any form. — Terry Rossio (@TerryRossio) November 25, 2018

"In a recent Twitter post, arguing against stereotyping and hate speech, I referenced the 'n-word' (the actual word) as an example of what not to do," he wrote. "That was a mistake. I am sorry."

Rossio went on to write, "I now understand that the word has no place in any conversation, ever."

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