Oct 18, 2016 03:28 AM EDT By Noi Ramirez, UniversityHerald Reporter

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin reacted to reports that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump allegedly demeaned her by mimicking her and repeatedly called her ''retarded.''

Matlin, who in 2011 competed on Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" was insulted, mimicked and demeaned as mentally handicapped by Trump all because she was deaf, several sources told The Daily Beast. She earned second place that season and was even complimented by Trump in the aired footage.

The sources who were staffers of the show said Trump would treat Matlin as if she were mentally disabled and would regularly disrespect her. The insults, the report continued, would sometimes be behind Matlin's back and at other times right in front of the actress. The sources chose to be quoted anonymously for fear of legal actions due to an extensive non-disclosure agreement they signed with the production.

The report stemmed from an item appearing on People from Richard Hatch, also a contestant with Matlin on Celebrity Apprentice in 2011. He was quoted in saying that it was obvious and it was grotesque. It was blatant and it was frequent. Hatch also said that he (Trump) did it with Lisa Rena or with whoever happened to be there at the time. Hatch also alleged Trump did it even in front of his daughter Ivanka.

Matlin, upon learning of the reports, responded on twitter and posted a statement. She said in the tweet of her being regarded as 'retarded' by Trump has upset her deeply, saying the term is abhorrent and should never be used. She adds by saying there are millions of deaf and hard of hearing people in the world who are being discriminated and misunderstood on a daily basis and that is unacceptable.

In their defense, a Trump campaign spokesperson dismissed the issue, saying Matlin is such a nice person and that Trump has a great respect for the actress, adding that the report is completely false. The spokesperson took a swipe at Hatch saying to take a look at his record of lack of it.

In final response, Matlin said "I have a voice. And I am using that voice to make myself heard... and vote."

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