For what it’s worth, I think Jerry himself is a bit faggy, but when GLAAD denounces something, I don’t mind announcing it.
From CNN.com:
- Story Highlights
- NEW: Lewis apologizes for using the word “fag” during telethon
- Lewis was joking with cameraman in 18th hour of telethon
- GLAAD denounces Lewis’ use of “fag”
- Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon raises $63.7 million
(CNN) — Comedian Jerry Lewis on Tuesday apologized for using the word “fag” as he broadcast his annual Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.
“That something like this would distract from the true purpose of the telethon pains me deeply,” Lewis said in a written statement.
“The success of the show and all the good that will come of it shouldn’t be lost because of one unfortunate word. I accept responsibility for what I said. There are no excuses. I am sorry.”
Earlier Tuesday, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation called on Lewis to apologize.
“Jerry Lewis’ on-air use of this kind of anti-gay slur is simply unacceptable,” GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano said in a statement posted on the group’s Web site. “It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm’s way.”
Watch how Jerry Lewis apologized »
In the 18th hour of the telethon Monday, Lewis, with his bow-tie undone and his shirt collar open, stumbled around the set at the South Coast Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, marveling at the cameraman’s ability to keep up with him.
“Look how good he moves that camera, you son of a gun. Wherever I go, he goes,” said Lewis, 81.
“Let’s see what you do with this over here,” said the comedian and actor, who became famous as Dean Martin’s slapstick partner on stage and in several films in the 1950s.
Lewis then gestured toward two other cameras on the set.
“Oh, your family has come to see you. You remember Bart, your oldest son,” he said, pointing to one camera.
“Jessie, the illiterate fag,” Lewis said, pointing to the other.
“No,” he said then, as some audience members laughed.
In Tuesday’s statement, Lewis said, “I apologize to anyone who was offended.
“I obviously made a poor choice of words. Everyone who knows me understands that I hold no prejudices in this regard. In the family atmosphere of the telethon, I forget that not everyone knows me that well.”
Giuliano said GLAAD was requesting a meeting with the comedian, who has done the Labor Day telethon for 42 years.
“We want to sit down with him, help him understand why these words are so hurtful, and give him an opportunity to raise public awareness about the destructive impact of these kinds of anti-gay slurs, even more so in attempted humor,” he said in his statement.
The 21½-hour telethon raised a record $63.8 million in pledges and contributions, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association Web site.
I completely understand when we were children and our parents made us apologize for saying certain things or acting particular ways. But, as adults, I get tired of any group demanding an apology whenever something is said they don’t like or agree with. As adults, I believe it should only be necessary to apologize when one is actually sorry. Not apologizing because someone is offended and demands that we do so.
To be honest, people say things that offend me all the time but I’m really not interested in a forced apology. If they feel bad about what they said, they can apologize, if not, I don’t really want to hear it.
Speculate: Will Jerry go to therapy? And, if so, will it do any good?
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We are awful at our house. We use remarks such as “fag” all the time. such as, “you’re such a fag.”
But, in our home it is equivalent to DORK. Why does the homosexual crowd get to claim all the good names? That is just gay.
Go ahead and bash me… Gay is another term in our house that simply means “lame”. We picked it up from the kids in the neighborhood and they are not calling each other Homos (Can I use that word?)
People need to lighten up. I am not offended when the word “Cracka” is tossed around. Nor do I care if I am called a Wap… Wanna try wuss? How about a religious nut?
No, none of it hurts even a tiny bit.
Buncha whiny girlie girls… They need to grow a set. I have been hanging out with the guys in the shop too long… I will back slowly out of your blog. Hope I don’t have the entire cast of “It’s raining Men” here to debunk my apparent misguided views.
LOL CavMom!
I’m with you — though I will use the term faggot to describe gay people too. The PC crowd will not take that word from me. I could really care less who’s feelings get hurt when I say it. I also will use terms like slut, cheater, etc … to describe heterosexuals.
When’s the last time you won comment of the week? Cuz I think you’re headed in that direction.
By the way, why are not all the illiterate people jumping on this band wagon about being grouped with the fag term? Because they can’t read the news?
hiya Tammi!..the US was fabulous btw!..sheesh when do women get the same respect when they call us b*itches!…want some cheese with that whine ole gay communitae?!
I want to know if Jessie was called a fag because he is illiterate or the other way around?
Because I am full of deep thoughts today, I would like to know when faggot (archaic unit of measurement for bundles of sticks) came to mean two men…. Oh wait, bundling sticks… I get it!
(OK, I will quit. It is just one of those days)
Hi Angel –
Excellent point! Should we demand an apology?
CavMom — you really are on a roll!
I find it to be absolutely reprehensible that the cigarette rights activists are not up in arms over Mr Lewis’ slur against an oppressed group. After all, “fag” is clearly the British name for a cigarette (being derived from “faggot,” which was initially a pile of burning wood); Mr Lewis should not use that as a slur. The poor cigarettes of the world.
Hi Bridget,
Apparently the cigarette people are not as sensitive as the GLAAD people.
And, Jerry Lewis has been making the GLAAD people very sad.
And, Jerry Lewis has been making the GLAAD people very sad.
There’s an irony in there somewhere….
Tammi,
What a queer topic. I’ve always thought Jerry Lewis acted a little fruity myself. I wonder if Jessie is illiterate because his wrists are not rigid enough to enable page turning.
Lol Sam! I think it’s still okay to use the term queer? But … I think you’re hinting towards using the term limp wristed and I’ll need to consult GLAAD on that one. They might be sitting you down for a lecture young man! If you are forced to issue an apology, I want the scoop first for Sunflower Desert!