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Lewis Takes Foot Out of Mouth, Issues Statement

Posted Sep 4th 2007 5:49PM by TMZ Staff

Alleged comedian Jerry Lewis has issued a statement to CNN, following the public outcry over his use of a gay slur on this weekend's MDA Telethon:

"During the 21-1/2-hour live broadcast of my Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association this weekend, I made a joking comment to a member of my production team. I apologize to anyone who was offended. I obviously made a bad 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. That something like this would distract from the true purpose of the Telethon pains me deeply. The success of the show and all the good that will come from it shouldn't be lost because of one unfortunate word. I accept responsibility for what I said. There are no excuses. I am sorry."



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106. yes i think the comments here that reflect hate on homosexuals are disgusting. they're the people who make this site a lot less enjoyable.

Posted at 11:36PM on Sep 4th 2007 by jen

107. Jeez!! First of all, to the great majority of you calling others 'stupid, ignorant, or illiterate", I say the following: Lurn two spaell!!! Jesus, NOTHING shows ignorance more than incorrect use of language!! Second of all, I agree with those who have said, "Grow a pair!" This country has become so namby-pamby, so afraid of offending anyone and everyone, that it has gotten to the point of paralysis. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and have the cajones to stand behind it.

That being said: Jerry said it, you can see from the clip that he realized that it was wrong as soon as he said it and cut himself off, he has apologized, GLAAD has accepted th apology, ITS OVER! MOVE ALONG!! THERE'S NOTHING MORE TO SEE HERE!!!

Posted at 11:56PM on Sep 4th 2007 by What a Bunch of CRYBABIES!!

108. Obviously Jerry's true colors finally came out. That's the type of person he is. America has been fooled again. I also don't understand why anyone who does charity should be exempt from the responsibility that comes to using such words.

Posted at 12:56AM on Sep 5th 2007 by murt

109. awwwwwwwwwww the tmz censor nazi has struck! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO best stuff was 86`d. lol oh wait i hear tmz apologizing and grovelling to glaad now too. lol

Posted at 12:19AM on Sep 5th 2007 by chillin`

110. REPOSTED FROM YESTERDAY EVENING

Any time any one makes a joke about AMERICA'S FAVORITE SACRED COWS, the people who've, by their own freewill and choice, are living their lives as HOMOSEXUALS, there is a big to do and a big hue and cry! Anyone who is not homosexual are heterosexual. We are the majority, so most jokes are said against us!

Jokes are made against almost anything and any one. So what! Offended??? Don't like homosexual jokes??? Tough! Stop flaunting your homosexual
lifestyles --or better yet, simply just get back in the closet!!!

Posted at 12:46AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Whatever!

111. Jerry is very much gay himself. I truly believe, he said that to keep the heat off himself, make himself look straight, when really he's not!!!!

Posted at 2:34AM on Sep 5th 2007 by honey

112. I NEVER thought that Jerry Lewis was funny. He mostly did a shtick that sort of mimicked mentally challenged people. There are so many mean spirited comics out there. Yes that comment was offensive Mr Lewis. You should retire already if you can't control your mouth.
And for all the fake christian, bible thumpin' hillbillies on here...go breed some ignorant children lol.

Posted at 4:18AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Charlie

113. They 86th one of mine

Homosexuals are no better than anyone else, including heterosexuals,
the president of the United States, lawyers, Christians and other religious groups, illegal aliens, Blacks, mothers-in-law and any other groups of people who are joked about far more often than homosexuals. If that's your chosen lifestyle, then be "man" or "woman" enough to accept the heat that comes with your choices. I'm heterosexual and just as proud of my preference as you should be with your choices. Stop whining. You'll never hear me complaining when I'm called a heterosexual!!!

Posted at 12:59AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Whatever!

114. Alleged Comediene, Jerry Lewis? Nobody on this entire planet has worked more tirelessly than Jerry Lewis to help and bless those who suffer!

Paranoid homosexuals who purposely looking for any possible opportunity to lie about heterosexuals, claim they're "homophobic", which is absolutely ridiculous! Comedienes are supposed to joke around and tease! Why didn't these heterophobic homosexuals complain about Jerry also teasing of the two "Tall Cedar" Shriners over their pointed hats that looked exactly like dunce caps! He said they could lay their heads sideways on the ground and dig trenches [with their hats]! LOL~ LOL~ The joke disappeared over the heads of the two Shriners, as well, but we don't hear them complaining "Jerry Lewis is "Shrinerphobic" or "Tall Cedarphobic"!

You homosexuals need to get a life for a change. I guess you guys don't remember comediene John Rickles, who took potshots at anyone and everyone for a living! Of upi were living moral lifestyles, you wouldn't have such a chip on your shoulders, always purposely trying to look for trouble when none is intended! Read the Bible occasionally; God says to not take offense!

Posted at 2:21AM on Sep 5th 2007 by BJ

115. i think hes just old and out of it hes not a meanie by far

Posted at 1:59AM on Sep 5th 2007 by joe's world

116. Based on the hate speech on behalf of you homosexuals against Jerry Lewis, I suggest you stay away from MDA when you come down with Muscular Dystrophy: you do not deserve any help!

I've never read so much lying tripe and hate speech against this dear man who's spent most of his entire adult helping and blessing the innocent suffering! It's paramount to what Princess Diana had to endure when she was Princess! She likewise was targeted instead of praised for all the good she did! The absolute arrogance and paranoia of homosexuals is totally beyond comprehension and why the majority (heterosexuals) are totally getting fed up with your garbage!

God promises to one day judge you the exact same way you are choosing to judge Jerry Lewis!

Posted at 2:47AM on Sep 5th 2007 by BJ

117. isnt this guy like 80 years old? He look half drunk or over medicated. Who cares what he said? He probably mumbled something else that sounded offensive, who cares?

Posted at 2:32AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Sara

118. You LIAR! Jerry is NOT gay! Didn't you see him kissing his Wife and Daughter in the audience. What are you drinking and smoking?!!

Posted at 3:06AM on Sep 5th 2007 by BJ

119. I don't know Jerry Lewis personally, but he is a great comedian, actor and humanitarian. The telethon runs over 21 hours and he sleeps very little during that time. I don't know about the rest of you, but I tend to get a little giddy without sleep and say and do things it normally wouldn't cross my mind to say or do. Furthermore, I've watched comedians make harmless fun of a variety of people and things and people laugh about it and the comedians make loads of money. We all need to learn to laugh at ourselves more and criticize a little less. The world would be a better place.

Posted at 8:10AM on Sep 5th 2007 by akalostangel

120. Jerry Helped my Brother From the Day He was Diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy Until The Day He Died. He Does Not Discriminate !!!!!! A Lot of Comediens Make Fun Of EVERYTHING !!!!!! Like it or not, a LOT of People Laugh at Gay Jokes, Including Gay People . The Real Haters are the Ones Who Can't Laugh at Themselves. Leave Jerry Alone. He is One of the Most Charitable People on this Earth !!!!!!!!! THANK YOU JERRY !!!!!!!

Posted at 8:58AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Thank You Jerry !!!

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