Last night during a telethon benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, comedian and actor Jerry Lewis referred to a cameraman's family member as an "illiterate faggot."

GLAAD's president Neil G. Giuliano condemned the on-air remark in a press release this morning.

"Jerry Lewis' on-air use of this kind of anti-gay slur is simply unacceptable," said Giuliano. "It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm's way. Our nation's media have done an admirable job this year holding public figures accountable for their use of anti-gay slurs, and I hope they continue to do so with Mr. Lewis."

Giuliano said that GLAAD is contacting Lewis' representatives today to request a meeting with him. "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."

Below is a video of the incident. It should be noted that it is possible that Lewis said "fatty" as opposed to "faggot." Lewis has not released any comment.

Labels: anti gay, entertainment

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 11:18 AM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.