Monday, August 13, 2012

Comedian Wayne Brady apologizes for telling Trig Palin joke at Roseanne roast


by Noel Sheppard from News Busters:
Comedian Wayne Brady was booed on Comedy Central's Roseanne Barr Roast Sunday when he made a truly tasteless joke about Sarah Palin's Down's Syndrome son Trig.
When this occurred, Brady actually defended himself by mentioning that during the roast, other people were mocking him (video follows with transcribed highlights and commentary, serious vulgarity warning):
During Brady's remarks, he was making fun of fellow roaster Jeff Ross.
"Now the thing is Jeff," said Brady, "these are all jokes, and I really like you. I really, really like you. But a lot of people hate you, especially Sarah Palin because you remind her of what Trig is going to look like when he’s 40."
This was greeted with a mixture of laughs and boos from the highly-partisan crowd leading Brady to say, “Oh, now you boo me? F—k y’all. I don’t want to hear that. These people say all of this s—t about me, and you boo me because of Trig.”
Apparently, Brady didn't understand that: he's an adult; he's at a roast to be mocked along with everyone else; that's what he gets paid for; he was present and therefore could defend himself, and maybe most importantly; he's not a four year old child with Down syndrome.
Other than that, his defense made perfect sense.

Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2012/08/13/comedian-wayne-brady-booed-telling-trig-palin-joke-roseanne-roast#ixzz23RNXkF2u

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Apology posted on Wayne Brady's Facebook Page:

"This letter has taken me a few days to compose because of the conflicting emotions thatI've experienced since the day of the Roast and it's subsequent airing. Theenvironment of the Roast isa comedic (hopefully), tasteless (mostly always),affair that encourages everyone to out-filth each other. Not normally what I'mknown for, right? But, when I was invited, I jumped at the chance to playoutside of my perceived "norm" and have fun. The Jeff joke waswritten for me and at the end of the day I take full responsibility for sayingit. It wasn't meant as a slam to Trig and at the time I didn't see it that way.

I could defend it as a performer, but I would rather apologize from the bottomof my heart as a father. I understand how a parent, who loves their child, whotries to nurture and shield them when they cannot defend themselves, would takeoffense.. I have many times experienced this feeling. I've had awful thingssaid about my daughter.. Violent and most times racial stabs. Being in thespotlight I have built a thick skin to these sorts of things. My daughter (who's now old enough to understand ) is another story. That being said I writethis letter with sensitivity and a strong stance of responsibility for myactions.

I thank everyone who's expressed their opinion for reminding me that my voiceis heard... It's easy to forget sometimes in front of cameras and lights.

To the Palins, please know that no malice or harm was meant. To the otherfamilies who were touched negatively, I hope you'll be able to accept thisapology as well.

I've always said that people in the public eye should be held responsible forwhat you say and I'm no hypocrite. Thanks for reading and letting me express myside."

Take care all,
Wayne

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