Free Speech or just hurtful?

     In 1994 Batman: The Animated Series aired a controversial episode entitled, "Babydoll." It featured an aging, demented former child star with advanced hydroplagia. Although they changed the name, race, sex, and even the disease of the character, Gary Coleman got upset. The Little Person's Association of America tried to have it banned. Although it was not successful, Babydoll never appeared again. My question: does this come down to an issue of free speech or respect for people with disabilities?