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Jerry Lewis Says "Faggot" During Labor Day Telethon

Matthew Ross
Posted September 04, 2007

Over here at TDR, we are obligated to bring to you, our dear readers, the latest in viral videos. Sometimes, that can get a little tedious, as the Net often becomes the soapbox for manufactured scandals. Case in point, this video of Jerry Lewis coughing up the F word during a recent muscular-dystrophy telethon (we're referring here to the six-lettered version that ends with "t").

So, yeah, Jerry Lewis said the word "faggot" on television. He's also 81 years old, raises millions to help kids, has a famously dirty mouth, and cut himself short right after he said it. (And let's not forget that the French think he's positively Wellesian.) This is a major scandal? Apparently so. Here's what GLAAD president Neil Giuliano told TMZ: "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."

Will Jerry meet with Neil? Is a trip to rehab in order? Can he go to jail for this? Will he make an impassioned plea on Letterman, begging his fans for forgiveness? We get the feeling that the answers to all of these questions is an emphatic no. At least we hope so.

UPDATE: Jerry has since apologized. Also, the original video was pulled from Daily Motion. So here's CNN and their three-minute segment about this scandalous controversy. Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor are have been spotted rolling in their respective graves.

Posted by Kouri Carey on September 06. 2007 No user image
It's shocking to read how bluntly some people will lay down their prejudice in a simple comment. The word faggot may be a "reality" as mentioned before, but it is also discrimination. It's reality is actually more horrific and dates back many more centuries than many other derogatory terms. Yes, a faggot is just a bundle of sticks, and at one time, that's all it was...until the Inquisition, when thousands of homosexuals were burned alive above them. So when you call someone a faggot, you're talking about burning a human being alive because of his or her so-called "lifestyle." To me, that is discrimination and I'm allowed to take offense.
Posted by An Anonymous Scaredy-Cat on September 05. 2007 False No user image
Now that GLAAD has had it's 15 minutes of fame, thanks to Jerry Lewis' faux pas, maybe they can climb back into their closets and practice a new version of 'Poop Chute Boogie'.
Posted by Matthew Ross on September 04. 2007 Matthew Ross
Allesandro, We didn't remove the video, DailyMotion did. The explanation is theirs, not ours. We've posted a new video in its place. Sorry for the confusion. -Matt
Posted by Alessandro Machi on September 04. 2007
First it was a "breaking news story", now it's turned into a "broken news story". Your explanation for removing the video is embarrasingly corporate.

two thumbs, two toes down.
Posted by Alessandro Machi on September 04. 2007
First it was a "breaking news story", not it's turned into a "broken news story". Your explanation for removing the video is embarrasingly corporate.

two thumbs, two toes down.
Posted by An Anonymous Scaredy-Cat on September 04. 2007 False No user image
Of course people have the freedom of speech. That doesnt mean that one should say whatever they want or not suffer if they say something that offends people. Lewis doesnt have to say he is sorry or do anything if he doesnt wish to. I dont think its a big deal or anything but what are you suggesting, that we limit Neil's freedom of speech?
"try a new lifestyle" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
So if I dont like someone calling me a faggot I should become hetro........
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
As far as your concerned doesnt make the word faggot equal to homo
Yeah the poor word gay, used to mean happy now means homosexual.
Deal with it :P
Posted by John Galt on September 04. 2007 No user image
The only rehab trip would be for Neil Giuliano, and as far as I'm concerned, faggot is right up there with homo, and queer and perfectly acceptable to describe them, since the word gay actually means,bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer; "a cheery hello"; "a sunny smile" and has been prostituted to be...what's that term..oh yes..politically correct. So if you don't like the terms used, try a new lifestyle. I do however take exception to the term, nappy headed ho's. That is in fact discrimination, the former is a reality.
Posted by An Anonymous Scaredy-Cat on September 04. 2007 False No user image
don't comedians say things like faggot all the time? snooze.
Posted by michael joiner on September 04. 2007
those people at gladd can really be some nappy headed faggot ho's.....
Posted by An Anonymous Scaredy-Cat on September 04. 2007 False No user image
Would the same folks who want to give Lewis a pass for his slur against gays if he had referred to the camera man as a nigger? Or a spic? Anyone???
Catch viral videos first.
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