Video: Michael Richards apologizes on Letterman
posted at 12:40 am on November 21, 2006 by Ian
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Michael Richards appeared via satellite on the Late Show during host David Letterman’s interview with Richard’s former Seinfeld co-star Jerry Seinfeld.
Richards was speechless during his appearence and tried to make a sincere apology.
“For me to be at a comedy club and flip out and say this crap, I’m deeply, deeply sorry. I’m not a racist. That’s what’s so insane about this.”
Seinfeld said nothing “justifies what happened” and Richards is someone who he loves and deserves a chance to apologize, thanking Letterman for the time.
Update (Allahpundit): I watched it as it aired. The Malcontent’s description is perfectly apt.
Update (Ian): I don’t forgive him, but I think it’s harsh to say he was being an actor during his apology. The audience members who laughed were fools and just added to his pitiful performance on tonight’s show. I mean, how do you come out and apologize for making racist remarks? Is there some sort of suggestive statement you make other than outright apologizing? If Richards was really unapologetic, why would he put himself under the limelight again to apologize on national television? If he really didn’t care he would put out some prepared statement that his press agent wrote. I truly think he is sorry, but he needs to pay for his actions.
Update (Ian): Darnell, The Independent Conservative, wrote a powerful piece about Richards’ racist tirade.
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Yeah, saw it. It was weak. The actor is all we saw. Another Mel Gibson moment folks, but this time, all will be quickly forgiven and brushed under the rug – unlike Gibson – who’s rants I do not support or condone. Why? – you might ask? – because Richards didn’t produce a Christian film; Richards doesn’t stand for conservative values; Richards appeared on the Letterman show where he received a very accomodating crowd – who even laughed during his “apology”.
thedecider on November 21, 2006 at 12:49 AM
Give me my Fridays DVDs and we’ll talk….
TBinSTL on November 21, 2006 at 12:50 AM
I just watched his apology on Letterman. I felt he was sincere. He mentioned he needed to do “some personal work”. I think he’s the kind of guy that will show his sincerety in his actions. I’ll be watching for news of him either doing something in the community or other good works to make amends. I’m not condoning his behavior, but I think he will prove he deserves to be forgiven.
sonnyspats1 on November 21, 2006 at 1:00 AM
We don’t have to forgive him. If the media forgives him, he is forgiven. This is fact in our world today.
Ouabam on November 21, 2006 at 1:03 AM
You’ve got some audio issues… about 15% of the way in, the audio from the beginning starts again, and overlaps on the already playing audio and video.
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 1:10 AM
We don’t have to forgive him. If the media forgives him, he is forgiven. This is fact in our world today.
Ouabam on November 21, 2006 at 1:03 AM
I can only speak for myself. Personally I won’t any musician, actor or comedian that goes against my own moral code. Never have never will.
sonnyspats1 on November 21, 2006 at 1:10 AM
correction- Personally I won’t watch or listen to any musician, actor or comedian that goes against my own moral code.
sonnyspats1 on November 21, 2006 at 1:14 AM
Man: “I sense great vunerablity. A manchild crying out for love. An innocent orphan in the postmodern world.”
Woman: “I see a parasite. A sexually depraved miscreant who is seeking only to gratify his basest and most immediate urges.”
Man: “His struggle is man’s struggle. He lift’s my spirit.”
Woman: “He is a loathsome, offensive brute… yet I can’t look away.”
Man: “He transcends time and space.”
Woman: “He sickens me.”
Man: “I love it.”
Woman: “Me too.”
Watcher on November 21, 2006 at 1:18 AM
Er… ???
Jim Treacher on November 21, 2006 at 1:18 AM
He didn’t go on Oprah for his supplication like most celebs do. Oprah’s black. just sayin’.
Scot on November 21, 2006 at 1:19 AM
…in the over-saturated world of disposable comic performers, one sees future has-been after future has-been competing for attention by pushing the bounds of good taste.
Mr. Richards routine went over the line. The racial line is one of the few left…and it’s left, in part, for all the wrong reasons. The racial line is left out there as a land mine to allow some to bash others under the pretense of fairness. It’s a great, bloody, throbbing open nerve.
This is not to say that the racial line can be dealt with in a mature, calm way. It doesn’t sit there to warn us off, to remind us that we should be fair in our dealings with others. Quite the reverse. It’s another weapon we can use to hurt one another.
Mr. Richards is the one wounded now.
Now, pundits, Hollywood mouths, and racial hucksters who need a cause to flog this week might take this one up. Mr. Richards will suffer all the more.
If he falls of the radar, and is selling Amway or cheeseburgers this time next year will be a testament to the unjust and unforgiving nature of the business he’s in, and of the harsh, unjust and unforgiving nature of the many movements for “social justice”. They will crush a man for giving offense to the *wrong* people.
…and it’s too bad, too. His apology, as shown in the clip, was either *VERY* well acted, or very, deeply honest.
…either way, he’s going to need friends.
Puritan1648 on November 21, 2006 at 1:20 AM
I changed it to “tried to make” .. happy? The point isn’t the writing, but the video. I don’t know if it was sincere or not.
Ian on November 21, 2006 at 1:20 AM
I can’t be the only one having this audio overlapping issue? It makes the video unwatchable. I had to watch it at the site Allah links to, which actually raises another question… Allah, how did you wind up at a site who’s tag line is “Real Gay. Straight up.“? I’m having flashbacks to your lover’s quarrel with Ace and the brokeback picture you used with the post headline on the main page. Is KP nothing more than your “Katie Holmes”, if you know what I’m saying?
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 1:26 AM
A fat check written to Jesse Jackson DBA “The Rainbow Coalition racial extortionists” should clear up his problems in a jiffy.
jaleach on November 21, 2006 at 1:26 AM
Rarely!
Jim Treacher on November 21, 2006 at 1:27 AM
Re Jim: Heh.
RW: Sorry, it doesn’t last long for me.
Ian on November 21, 2006 at 1:28 AM
Puritan: you touched on something that struck me as well. Did he do this because of a dying career? Was it a stunt aimed at getting attention? I wonder. An actor so accustomed to the spotlight when Seinfeld was still on the air must be feeling lonesome now that the spotlight is gone. I wonder…
thedecider on November 21, 2006 at 1:32 AM
You’re right, I guess it doesn’t last that long… anyway, I just wanted to make sure you were aware of it.
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 1:33 AM
Me too, RightWinged. The audio overlaps with echo. No comment on the ‘Brokeback’ thing, however.
thedecider on November 21, 2006 at 1:36 AM
I think he sounds sincere however he IS an actor. It’s not for me to forgive but if it were, I would. He is human. Having said that, I certainly cannot resist feeling that Sen. Lott should have been afforded the same opportunity and forum to explain himself.
x95b10 on November 21, 2006 at 1:36 AM
If Richards wants to revive his career he should do a porn tape with Screech.
Scot on November 21, 2006 at 1:40 AM
He did it, he apologized; move on. If he truly is repentant then it won’t happen again. People make mistakes, people learn from them, if not then time will tell. It’s sad when Hollywood shows more class then a lot of *cough Kerry cough Kennedy cough whoever else cough* elected officials.
- The Cat
MirCat on November 21, 2006 at 1:42 AM
Okay, all this “career” talk is ridiculous… in my opinion. Do you have any idea how rich he is from Seinfeld? I suppose if you think he’s an attention hog that’s one argument, but he doesn’t “need” a “career” by any means.
And I like Darnell at the Independent Conservative, but I think he’s a little off here:
Richards, I believe, is Jewish… right? Also, Darnell says something about the Kramer character being Jewish. I don’t believe that is the case. In fact one of the jokes of one episode is that he was cooking the meal for a “Jewish Singles Night”, being held at the Knights of Columbus. He was filling in for his friend Lomez. Which reminds me…
Jerry: “Lomez is Jewish?”
Kramer: “Orthodox, Jerry. Old school.”
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 1:44 AM
The difference is, Lott did nothing wrong.
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 1:45 AM
…from what I understand of the business he’s in, they love you as long as you’re making money for ‘em.
He was making money for ‘em on Seinfeld. They gave him one or two chances to make money for them after Seinfeld, and it all went bust.
Now, he may not be making money for ‘em…studios, producers, those folks. Show business is — first, foremost and always — a business. Find out what else he’s been up to, where and at what he’s been working, and that’ll bring you closer to knowing whether tonight’s apology was a stunt or not.
They love you as long as you’re making them money. When you aren’t earning anymore, you’re gone. It’s rather like the prostitute/pimp relationship in that regard.
Puritan1648 on November 21, 2006 at 1:47 AM
What is he, a mime?
Sincere apology or not, that was one angry rant. I predict rehab is in this man’s future.
MayBee on November 21, 2006 at 1:48 AM
Dammit..I was going to suggest he use the war as an excuse..WAR…huh…good (insert higher being of your choice) y’all…what is it good for…making racial comments…huh..WAR…huh…what is it good for…chopping my neighbors into steaks…come on, Hollywood, sing along…WAR…HUH…what is it good for..snorting tons of co-caine. As for his apology, naturally I believe him and hope that next time he goes on an unhinged verbal tirade, it’s against people who deserve it like Rethuglican Rove humping bushbots. Better yet, perhaps he could physically assault a few with a brick and maybe kill one…this way we could have Mike Rogers show up for his death row appeal and slander the victims. Ah, Hollywood, the gift that keeps on giving.
austinnelly on November 21, 2006 at 1:51 AM
Imagine if this were all a publicity stunt to launch the comeback of the Seinfeld show, and the black guys and everyone were in on it! I know, that’s ridiculous, but I can dream can’t I, and pretend this never happened?
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 1:52 AM
Oh, I forgot to mention… Rove you magnificent evil genius bastard!
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 2:03 AM
Rightwinged:
That’s in doubt. His mother’s maided name is Italian (Nardozzi), and he’s deep into … (get ready, black helicopter fanciers) … Free Masonry. See here.
laelaps on November 21, 2006 at 2:07 AM
That’s exactly what I’m thinking. This could have been nothing more than a publicity stunt. Why else would a seemingly has-been actor go to this particular forum and raise such a stink? To grab attention perhaps? Wouldn’t be the first time.
thedecider on November 21, 2006 at 2:08 AM
Wikipedia is really quick:
a result Richards was permanently banned from performing at any of the Laugh Factory comedy clubs.
laelaps on November 21, 2006 at 2:12 AM
Sorry, but i just can’t take these celebrity apologies seriously anymore. It’s the same routine every time. On a more positive note, i always enjoy the posts here at Hot Air and reading everyone’s comments about them so i hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Scot on November 21, 2006 at 2:17 AM
I don’t believe there was anything calculated for career about this. He just lost it and spewed. I do that at least four times a year during male PMS.
Hey! Yeah, he can claim THAT! Male PMS. Yeah, yeah, that’s the ticket!
laelaps on November 21, 2006 at 2:18 AM
Laaaammme…he pulled the Katrina card, then slightly close to blaming Bush for his RAGE.The Letterman appearance was really weird and awkward and made it worse.
Topsecretk9 on November 21, 2006 at 2:28 AM
Where does Nardozzi come from?
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 2:32 AM
As I said in the other thread, this won’t be in the headlines more than a week. It probably won’t even last through Friday. Remember what happened to Gibson though? Even though he too is a Bush/Iraq war basher. But because of his anti-Hollywood establishment position and because of the hatred aimed at him for The Passion, his incident remains a story, and was front and center for weeks, if not over a month. But with the Katrina reference, and the almost Bush blamery, he’ll be back in the good graces in no time.
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 2:34 AM
what a train wreck.
jummy on November 21, 2006 at 2:42 AM
A surname ending in -ozzi indicates Sicilian background.
laelaps on November 21, 2006 at 2:46 AM
I think that was a terribly lame and insincere apology. And it was heavily scripted with Jerry Seinfeld and Letterman there to provide legitimacy,
When he started gammering on about rage inside him and then dragging all of the US into his view that we have rage against other countries, it was pretty clear that the MSM was just hijacking his racist outburst as a means to advance the “American is a bunch of racist rednecks” action line. Of course, that will do fine as penance for Richards within the eyes of the Hollywoods snobs, etc.
Frankly, I’ll never donate another cent to his career. And I agree with the heckler, he was a one-hit-wonder riding on Larry David’s coattails. Unless he can resurrect his acting career on his own talent, he’s done. And he certainly has no place in stand-up.
JeffB. on November 21, 2006 at 3:15 AM
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Kini on November 21, 2006 at 3:17 AM
I’d be curious to know exactly what these fools said that made him lose it so bad.
And the fact that they’ve now retained attorneys makes this entire incident all the more silly.
*cue circus music*
The Ugly American on November 21, 2006 at 3:25 AM
Now, if the Comedy Store were smart, they’d book Richards as an opening act for Carrot Top.
The Ugly American on November 21, 2006 at 3:28 AM
Now let’s push this giant ball of oil out the window.
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 3:45 AM
Rightwinged, if I was Alan Colmes, I could ask you …
… could this be construed as raaacist?
laelaps on November 21, 2006 at 3:56 AM
lol, except that it’s another random Kramer quote… He was going to solve the world’s oil. Sixth from the bottom of this bulleted list mentions it, though I was actually quoting him from the episode.
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 5:00 AM
Remember to pick up Season 7 of Seinfeld, out on DVD today.
I’d usually say that this type of media event happening was a cheap ploy to get a couple of bucks, but it’s obvious that’s not the case here.
SO obvious…LOL
benrand on November 21, 2006 at 5:00 AM
should have read
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 5:01 AM
ROFL!!!
IT’S ALL KATRINA’S FAULT!!!
BWAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!!
venmax on November 21, 2006 at 5:46 AM
I agree with the linked blogger that “the rest of the tape” isn’t going to make any difference in this incident. But the impression I got is that Richards has some real anger management problems, and when the hecklers were getting the best of him, he completely lost his cool and tried to lash back with what he thought was the most hurtful retort he could come up with. I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s an “evil racist bastard,” but it certainly says a lot about him that he chose the words he did when he got in trouble. That Letterman spot was just surreal.
Dudley Smith on November 21, 2006 at 7:02 AM
I haven’t seen an apology that sincere since the apology of Tookie Williams and OJ Simpson.
Darrin on November 21, 2006 at 7:30 AM
Ring Ring.
“Hello?”
“Jerry, it’s Kr- Michael Richards. You gotta get me outta this one, Jerry!”
“I dunno..”
“Please, Jerry! I’m beggin’ ya! Please. PLEASE!”
“Oh, all right, Kr- Michael.”
“Giddyup!”
JohnW on November 21, 2006 at 7:33 AM
Richards claimed to have “rage” and he said that he would like to explain the source of his “rage”.
Yes, he absolutely had rage, and when he was enraged, he said what he really thought! He is without a doubt a racist.
Lehuster on November 21, 2006 at 8:10 AM
Oh brother – how lame. But honestly I don’t care what Richards says or thinks. More and more I am getting tired of our celebrity obsessed culture and am tuning out of it.
Ellen on November 21, 2006 at 8:19 AM
Ah yes, they all apologize . . . now what, will he find God? He knew exactly what he was doing and now he’s trying to save his backside. His only problem is that he failed engage his brain before he put his mouth in gear.
rplat on November 21, 2006 at 8:44 AM
Time to move on
Wade on November 21, 2006 at 8:47 AM
Put a camera on you at your worst and then play it for the whole country and see how you fare. If most of us saw ourselves during a fit of anger I think we would all be ashamed. That being said, I think he was sincere and whether he represents conservative or liberal values is irrelevant. We are all human and we all lose it sometimes. Granted he went pretty far out there but who am I to judge. You say “sorry” in a sincere way. I say “its cool” and move on.. There are bigger fish to fry.
DarianCounts on November 21, 2006 at 8:53 AM
also hats off to Jerry Seinfeld for being such a good friend.
DarianCounts on November 21, 2006 at 8:56 AM
I forgive him as he is the Zadane of Comedy. Ian is probably young and idealistic hence he doesn’t forgive easily…
I will say that Racists and their hate is no different than the hate a multiculturalist, from -say- San Francisco, has toward someone from Middle America.
Everyone in this world has hate – whether it be of the race, class or ideas type – it’s there alive and well.
What will you do with it? The problem of evil.
ar_basin on November 21, 2006 at 9:04 AM
I missed it last night on Letterman and I can’t watch it at work yet(the bossman is in today), but the one thing that stumps me with Richards and Gibson is when they say “Oh, I’m not racist” or “I’m not anti-semitic” What, did this stuff just mystically come out? I’m confused.
vcferlita on November 21, 2006 at 9:07 AM
Whatever happened to just, “I’m sorry!!”
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on November 21, 2006 at 9:13 AM
I was watching with some interest until he brought up Katrina. Katrina? I expected him to fly into a “CHIMPY MCSMIRKY BUSHITLER!!!” or “Bush hates black people!” tirade and was a bit disappointed when he failed to do so. But I consoled myself with the knowledge that the week isn’t over yet, so there’s plenty of time for Kramer to blame the president.
Physics Geek on November 21, 2006 at 9:16 AM
Is the echo in the audio only on this video?
If it was going on during the show, that’s what the audience was laughing at. If they could hear Richards being introduced, again, after he started talking, I could see the humor. No other reason for the giggles.
jjjen on November 21, 2006 at 9:18 AM
The audio was not in the original show. I would guess that some of the audience members didn’t know about the incident yet and were laughing because they thought it was a skit.
12thman on November 21, 2006 at 9:21 AM
(third time trying to post this)
I’ve been biting my tongue on this one until I heard Michael Richards’s side. I wonder how many readers here have thought (or, God forbid, said) such derogatory things about an adversary in the heat of the moment?
Michael’s apology seemed quite sincere to me. If he faked it that well, so soon after the event and on a “Live” broadcast, he’s a much better actor than anyone is giving him credit for.
He’s forgiven in my book.
Full Disclosure: I am black.
Exit Question (sorry AP): What do you Hot Heads think about this Chris Rock clip?
12thman on November 21, 2006 at 9:21 AM
(third try at posting this)
I’ve been biting my tongue on this one until I heard Michael Richards’s side. I wonder how many readers here have thought (or, God forbid, said) such derogatory things about an adversary in the heat of the moment?
Michael’s apology seemed quite sincere to me. If he faked it that well, so soon after the event and on a “Live” broadcast, he’s a much better actor than anyone is giving him credit for.
He’s forgiven in my book.
Full Disclosure: I am black.
Exit Question (sorry AP): What do you Hot Heads think about this Chris Rock clip?
12thman on November 21, 2006 at 9:23 AM
“Ian is probably young and idealistic hence he doesn’t forgive easily…”
I do forgive easily. I think his apology was sincere, I really do. I think it’s time to move on.
Ian on November 21, 2006 at 9:23 AM
No they meant to say they are racist/anti-semitic and they are working it out over a life timebut, respectfully, people like you can’t handle it. I hate to break it to you but are also a “racist” of sorts… What I mean by that is you hate someone and would make (have made) some of those statements or think some of those same lines.
So who is it that you hate or dislike?
Rich white people?
Rich black people?
Poor whites?
Poor blacks?
Latinos – assimilated or not?
Border jumpers?
Asians?
Irish?
Italians?
The Red-State ilk?
The Blue-State ilk?
Your young daughters white boyfriend?
Your young daughters black boyfriend?
Now, you might currently be submerged in peaceful bible scriptures or in some Buddhist “monastery” but the hate has once existed within you and will return again prior to your passing…
Deal…
ar_basin on November 21, 2006 at 9:33 AM
After watching this, I went back and watched the original “routine” twice. Both are quite painful to watch.
What was that Katrina reference about? And then he starts in on the war? It’s like he’s trying to play the “I’m a Liberal, Too” card.
I think he’s in shock, basically.
If you go back to the original routine, Richards was getting hassled by some hecklers, and they said something that made him angry. He felt humiliated, and — in a foolish effort to get the upper hand, to regain control of the situation — decided that it would be acceptable, within his “pushing the envelope” shtick, to do the racial thing. It seems like once he dropped the first n-word, he thought that repeating it would make it more obviously intended as “irony.”
A tragic miscalculation.
I still wonder what was said during the exchange between Richards and the hecklers, prior to the meltdown shown on the videoclip. They must have really rattled him.
Ali-Bubba on November 21, 2006 at 9:43 AM
Maybe it is me. Do Liberals appologize different than Conservatives? Watched this guy last night, I am like thinking, why don’t they start playing “We are the world” into “Imagine”. We people start talking like “My best friends are Martian (fill in the group), something does not feel right to me.
Give it time Jesse Jackson will be there to counsil him.
StuLongIsland on November 21, 2006 at 9:49 AM
Lacking a good scriptwriter, Richard’s stand up act and subsequent apology for same were both a miserable failure.
Kinda tells ya something about the man’s character and his acting abilities. Jerry and Dave, playing the role of cue cards, still couldn’t save him from his awkward, incoherent apology.
fogw on November 21, 2006 at 10:36 AM
Exit Question (sorry AP): What do you Hot Heads think about this Chris Rock clip?
There’s some s**t going on with black people right now. And there’s two sides: black people… and n******. And n****** have got to go! (applause, laughter)
12thman on November 21, 2006 at 9:23 AM
OK 12thman, Its not exactly a Tony Robins seminar, but I heard the applause. P.S. How do you make a mayonaise sandwich?
sonnyspats1 on November 21, 2006 at 10:48 AM
Oh my gosh – I could hear this played out in my head.
Seeing both videos (the rant and the apology) – it really does seem like he was on something both times…and if not, then I wonder if he has ever been evaluated for bipolar disorder.
jeannedb on November 21, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Doesn’t matter what he said–his career is over. Kaput. He wasn’t making a joke–he was enraged that someone was heckling him and he simply lost it.
You can’t compare Richards’ rant to Rock’s stand-up. Not the same context whatsoever. Is there a double standard? Sure, but Richards wasn’t making a “racial joke”–he was accosting someone in the audience. If Rock or any other black comedian went on a tirade against a hispanic or white in the audience, it would make the news as well. Maybe not to the extent that Richards did–but I believe it would. At least I would hope.
Either way, there really is no apologizing for a rant like that. It will always be in the back of peoples’ minds.
robblefarian on November 21, 2006 at 10:59 AM
12th Man, I disagree with your asessment of Richards’ apology. He was too quick to throw Katrina in there, as well as the “acting” angle. Racist demon posession sounded about as plausible as Richards’ explanation.
The best explanation of Richards’ outburst (as well as Mel Gibson’s) can be found in the Bible. From Proverbs 23:7…
BTW, Chris Rock’s “Black People vs. N****s” bit is pure sociopolitical genius, and is wholly applicable to my barrio as well.
Fee, fi, fo, figga!
Kid from Brooklyn on November 21, 2006 at 11:28 AM
What ever happened to two wrongs don’t make a right?
I finaly watched the tape on the Today Show and I noticed some nasty racial epithets coming from the audience memeber with whom Richards was engaged.
While it’s true Richards had the microphone, both were involved with aggrevated verbal assualts.
In no way am I trying to lessen Richards’ actions, I’m saying both have some accountability.
And yea, two wrongs really don’t make a right.
Speakup on November 21, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Kid from Brooklyn:
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
I couldn’t agree more. Thus my question about have you ever thought something nasty against someone in opposition to you? Imagine if the worst thing you ever said (or thought) at work was filmed and posted on YouTube.
Remaining biblical:
Even if Michael Richards meant every slur that flowed from his mouth, shouldn’t we offer him an opportunity at forgiveness and redemtion?
12thman on November 21, 2006 at 11:53 AM
It’s at least somewhat refreshing to hear a public figure commit a blunder and not immediately plead alcoholism.
And for what it’s worth, I think he did explain it well enough towards the end, when he said he tried to “ju-jitsu it” (by “it” I presume he means the heckling) and turn it into something “funny”–which these days almost necessarily means edgy, which more-often-than-not also seems to entail racial content. Unfortunately for Richards, what probably would’ve worked for Chris Rock simply didn’t work for him, and getting angry in the process of foundering didn’t help.
Of course I’ve no knowledge of Richards’ political leanings, but from a tactical perspective he could have just taken the easy road and gone with the Bush Derangement angle. It’s not like hate and anger are out of vogue in Hollywood, so long as the targets are “flyover” Americans or Republicans. “What, did Karl Rove send you people?” probably would’ve brought down the house.
Blacklake on November 21, 2006 at 11:54 AM
Whats worse, Richards or the suck-up Letterman. I dunno.
Texyank on November 21, 2006 at 12:11 PM
You’re right. That guy who called Richards a cracker will never be a big TV star ever again either. Justice is served.
Dudley Smith on November 21, 2006 at 12:12 PM
Weren’t you listening? Katrina!
Dude, thanks for linking to that. By far my favorite Chris Rock clip and I hadn’t heard it in years. “I take care of my kids!”… “I ain’t neva been to jail!”
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 12:13 PM
I have one question on the Katrina thing. What is it that he said about Katrina that people object to?
IMHO he was right on point about that.
He didn’t try to use it as an excuse for his actions but rather simply stated that he felt bad if his statements added to a perception of institutional racism in America. Here’s what he said:
He then went on to point out that comics are involved in a huge effort to provide financial support to all those effect by the natural disaster, including the meloninaly gifted victims.
12thman on November 21, 2006 at 12:23 PM
RightWinged: np, it’s one of my favorites too. Amazing how important context is… but it lends some credence to the idea that Richards was trying to “jujitsu” his way around the heckler.
12thman on November 21, 2006 at 12:24 PM
Time to move on. I myself am going out today to buy Season 7 of Seinfeld to add to my collection. Why punish the whole cast for the actions of one?
UnEasyRider on November 21, 2006 at 12:41 PM
As far as the Chris Rock clip, it’s all about context. If a black person used that word just indiscriminately, I would still be offended. Rock used it in a way that made it funny in that clip. Richards used it in a way that is just hurtful. True, the people in the clip that he yelled at were no better, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior.
ScoopPC11 on November 21, 2006 at 1:20 PM
I guess that means Richards won’t heckle another Comedian either.
If it’s wrong for Richards, it’s wrong for the heckler too.
I don’t believe in privilege, we are all equally responsible.
And oh yea, two wrongs really don’t make a right or thirds or fourths etc.
Speakup on November 21, 2006 at 1:33 PM
It’s not what he said; it’s the fact that (IMO) he seems to use Katrina sensitivity as a shield from further criticism. You’d have to be Superman (or Superman Lover) to make the leap from hysterical “N-Bomb Night At The Laugh Factory” to sadness and outrage because “George Bush hates Black people”. Bigots love to decry “the iniquities of evil men” when they’ve been nailed.
Sure, why not? At the same time, though, wouldn’t our energies be better spent attacking institutionalized racism and its subsequent resentments? Wouldn’t that do more to end the cycle than Oprah-mandated outrage and Hollywood-approved contrition?
We’re still a long way from judging Dr. King’s children solely on the content of their character, and the remedy has become worse than the illness itself. This should be at the crux of any discussion regarding race relations in America.
Kid from Brooklyn on November 21, 2006 at 2:00 PM
Speakup
You don’t get it. Nobody is talking about the guy who called Richards “cracker” because he’s some anonymous audience member that no one’s ever heard of, not because they are condoning his use of the word. Now if that audience member had been Eddie Murphy, you might be hearing a lot more about it.
Dudley Smith on November 21, 2006 at 2:22 PM
well,
it’s not nice to call ANYbody hateful names, and it’s not nice to heckle either. That shows disrespect to not only the prerformer, but to the audience who paid to see the show.
I am in no way condoning the racial slurs, but the truth is it’s only in the news because it was not an african American calling whites “Crackers”.
Bearhopi on November 21, 2006 at 2:23 PM
The audio was not in the original show. I would guess that some of the audience members didn’t know about the incident yet and were laughing because they thought it was a skit.
Exactly! How many times does Letterman show a realistic situation that turns out to be gag? That is a standard of his. Jerry set it up like it was a skit and I don’t think some of the people were aware of the situation . I believe some of the audience thought it was just a plug for the season release. It was totally uncomfortable to watch and should have never happened on a “Comedy” show. That’s where Richards was right. Letterman should apologize to his audience and so should Jerry talking condescending to the audience like he was talking to his 18 year old wife. Then Seinfeld made jokes about Sicilian people chopping up people. Where’s the outrage?!
Richards blew it, lost it, out of control! But you would be a liar to say you have never been so mad you took your rage to a whole other level. Sometimes when you vent, things come out that you would never say in your reasonable mind. People who commit crimes of passion or fits of rage get lesser sentences because they are out of their mind. They committed a crime they would not normally have committed if it weren’t for the outside catalyst. It’s wrong but it’s something we are all capable of I believe. Our rational mind does not recognize our irrational mind.
Drtuddle on November 21, 2006 at 3:00 PM
Who but a racist calls blacks “Afro-Americans”? It’s like Archie Bunker mangling “African Americans”, isn’t it?
Are you insane? “It’s only news because it was not an African American calling whites “Crackers”. Here’s the test that will show you that you are a racist. When can you EVER name a time when a black comedian has EVER even SAID THE WORD cracker during a performance, much less, DIRECTED IT AT THE WHITE PEOPLE PRESENT? What a racist little strawman you have set up there! When EDDIE MURPHY came out with jokes that were deemed Anti Homosexual, there were protests, boycotts and condemnations that not only led to him apologizing and CHANGING HIS ACT, but also led him to pick up a Trannie at four in the morning! RIMSHOT PLEASE!
For your information HECKLING IS PART OF COMEDY. Ask a comedian why dontcha. They actually look in the mirror and PRACTICE comebacks for hecklers because when one is going into clubs where they serve alcohol and telling jokes it’s an OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD. You may have noticed the show the , “LAST COMIC STANDING” featured a SEGMENT where they INTENTIONALLY HECKLED THE CONTESTANTS to see who could deal with it the best and have the best comebacks. You simply are a racist equivocator who had nothing better to object to that wouldn’t get you labeled a racist as well. So you sought to place some moral equivalance between Richards and those he offended. To your shame I might add. The guy at the independant was right, the AUDIENCE IS THE BEST JURY and they, most of whom were WHITE, got up and LEFT WITH THE HECKLERS! Get yourself deprogrammed.
Soothsayer on November 21, 2006 at 3:17 PM
Not letting a comedian finish his puch lines is in-excusable. These hard working, a bit over paid, people who do so much for society deserve respect. Richard has every right to be a racist, and forgiven, he is “Hollywood”, and never should we point out how ignorant, crass and stupid his outburst was. The fact that these comedians can make fun, embarass, and ridicule anyone they want, and feel they are immune to any punishment, shows how powerful they are. We should all pay homage to such a noble profession. And know that they are above reproach. All other comedians are hereby banned from pointing out the weaknesses of other comedians.
I mean it, this is serious.
right2bright on November 21, 2006 at 3:26 PM
Dudley Smith
Your absolutely right.
Even though there is no excuse for Richards, his career is likely ruined and justifiably.
Likewise, even though the person who started the confrontation was an unknown audience member who then also spewed racial epithets is probably going about their regular daily routine.
Speakup on November 21, 2006 at 4:14 PM
Oh boy, Soothsayer is back folks… who has his straight jacket? Too bad he refuses to answer questions…
As for this…
It’s tough to say, but I can almost guarantee it happens. Off the top of my head, while not a stand up performance, I am picturing Chris Rock in Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back or whatever it’s called… He’s a dickhead director and keeps calling this assistant cracker. When the kid brings his coffee up at one point he sniffs the air “cracka? cracka? cra-cra-crack!?” (or something like that).
RightWinged on November 21, 2006 at 4:22 PM
Thanks Rightwinged!
I didn’t read passed the first few sentences of “Soothsayer”. It’s too bad there can’t be a level-headed educated forum to discuss things (even if the viewpoints are not always approved by all) without some over-the-top individual getting wierd!
Soothsayer is no better than the hecklers disrupting an evening of entertainment or Richards losing it!
Bearhopi on November 21, 2006 at 4:43 PM
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