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

Sarah Palin's complete letter to her family regarding Trig

from dialymail.co.uk:
Sarah Palin imagined God talking to her in a deeply touching email she wrote two weeks before her fifth child, Trig, was born with Down syndrome. The e-mail was released June 13th 2011.

The following is Sarah Palin's complete letter to her family regarding Trig:

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because Ionly want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so nice, you didn't think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be "Trig", because it's so fitting, with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news - that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count down so many days - just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days... you all really like cake .) I know you, I knew you'd be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing . But I gave Trig' s mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I'll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you...

I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig's life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters . The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true, brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect". You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.

Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for in fact Trig will - in some diagnostic ways - always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it "Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won't understand... and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider "perfect" or even "normal" anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as "perfect" on t.v.? Have you noticed I make `em all shapes and sizes? Believe me ,, there is no "perfect"!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: "My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts... for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!"

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book ! Look it up! You claim that you believe me - now it's time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can't wait to meet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,
Trig's Creator , Your Heavenly Father