Lewis angers the gay community with joke during his record-setting Labor Day telethon
By Juontel White
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 9/4/07 — Hollywood show stopper Jerry Lewis’ set off a record at the Labor Day telethon, raising $64 million towards the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Monday.
But a new donation record was not the only thing that was set off by Lewis as host of the 42nd annual holiday telethon event.
During his energetic and lively hosting spurt Lewis began a monologue in which he referred to imaginary family members. “You remember Bart, your older son,” he said, motioning the camera towards several unseen characters. “Jesse, the illiterate f—–,” he said…Bombs Away!
The statement prompted the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to release a critical statement calling Lewis’ use of the term “simply unacceptable.”
GLAAD president, Neil Giuliano said, “It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm’s way.”
Lewis reflected on his statement, calling it “a bad choice of words” in his public apology Tuesday.
“I apologize to anyone who was offended,” said Lewis. “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…. I accept responsibility for what I said. There are no excuses,” he continued.
Held in Las Vegas, the 21 ½ hour show set off a new record by raising about $3 million more dollars than last year.
A large portion of the donations come from the International Association of Firefighters with their “fill-the-boot” campaign. This year local drives raised $25.2 million.
Jerry Lewis telethon raised a record total of $63.7 million. “We did it. We did it. I got my buck more,” said Lewis. “Last year’s record was $61 million.”
It was carried by 190 television stations throughout the United States and Canada and was accessible via the web worldwide.
The broadcast returned to Lewis’ hometown of Las Vegas last year after an 11-year stint in Los Angeles.
“We’re back in Vegas!’” Lewis said. “It’s the best location we could ask for to send out MDA’s message of hope.”Since it’s inception in 1966, the telethon has raised a total of $1.46 billion. The 81-year-old infamous host expects to continue the tradition for years to come. “We’ll be here every year as long as I’m breathing in and out.”