Newcastle pub apologises after backlash to 'midget tossing' event

The Great Northern Hotel has come under fire from disability advocates and the community after it advertised "midget tossing" as part of its promotional material for an upcoming event.

The promotional image for the event, posted to social media. Source: Facebook

A Newcastle pub has taken down a 'Wolf of Wall Street' themed event which included "midget tossing" in its promotional material after significant backlash on social media.

The Great Northern Hotel promoted the event, planned for September 21, on their Facebook page and included "midget tossing" in the description, a reference to a scene in the film.

On Sunday, ABC News reported that the hotel management had apologised for the event, explaining that they never had any intention of throwing an actual person.

The Great Northern Hotel. Source: Google

"We are extremely sorry for any offence or reference to our Wolf of Watt St event [referencing the location of the pub], with tossing of any people," the statement read.

"We had no intention of doing so and this was a misguided comment, in reference to the film. We wish to apologise for any comments and sadness this has bought to the community."

A since-removed promotional video released by the hotel advertised a pop-up casino, adding: "If that won't keep you on your toes the whole night, sign up for our FREE MIDGET-TOSSING", according to ABC News.

"Hit the target and receive a FREE DRINK," it reportedly continued.

Disability advocates and social media users flooded the event over the weekend, leading to its removal. As of Monday, all details of the event and public comments on it appear to have been removed from social media.

In a statement on Sunday, Short Statured People of Australia - an advocacy organisation for short-statured people - said they had "worked to highlight the offensive nature of the event leading to its alteration".

The term "midget" is considered derogatory by the disability community.

One social media user described the event as "disgusting", "degrading" and "unbelievably ignorant".

"Would you toss a person in a wheelchair, a person with down syndrome or cerebral palsy?" the commenter continued.

"If your husband, wife, son or daughter had dwarfism would you like them ‘tossed’ like an object?"

The manager of the Great Northern Hotel has been contacted for comment.