Jim Carrey Apologizes for Using Photo of Autistic Child in Anti-Vaccine Social Media Argument

Comedic actor Jim Carrey has issued an apology after posting a photo of an autistic child on social media in an attempt to prove his argument against mandated vaccines for schoolchildren in the state of California.

Carrey recently came under fire for tweeting a photo of Karen Echols' son Alex, who suffers from autism and tuberous sclerosis. The comedian reportedly did not have permission to share a photo of the child on social media.

The actor shared the photo as part of his ongoing social media argument against a recent bill passed in California that mandates most schoolchildren receive vaccinations unless they have a note from their physician. The new legislation does away with a previous exemption based on personal beliefs.

"A trillion dollars buys a lot of expert opinions. Will it buy you? TOXIN FREE VACCINES, A REASONABLE REQUEST!" Carrey tweeted next to the photo.

The Echols family then reportedly contacted Carrey on social media, asking the actor to remove the photo of the boy while adding that the boy's health issues have nothing to do with vaccines.

Carrey subsequently issued an apology for posting the photo without permission, writing: "I'd like to apologize to the Echols family and others for posting a pic of their kids w/o permission.I didn't mean to cause them distress."

Echols responded by thanking Carrey for his apology, writing "we appreciate the apology. If you feel so inclined, a shout out for tuberous sclerosis awareness would be awesome! #IAMTSC."