Jay Leno whitewashes Halle Berry

By Michelle Malkin  •  October 23, 2007 03:23 PM

hallenose.jpg
“Here’s where I look like my Jewish cousin!”

In case you hadn’t already seen it, here’s Halle Berry’s dumb little joke mocking Jewish noses on the Jay Leno show last night…except you wouldn’t know she had made the “Jewish” jibe if not for the New York Post:

Halle Berry was apologizing last night after she’d made an apparent anti-Semitic joke while taping “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” Friday afternoon.

The Oscar-winning star, on the show to promote her movie “Things We Lost in the Fire,” was showing Leno and his audience images of herself on her computer using the Mac program Photo Booth, which distorts images like a carnival fun-house mirror.

According to one audience member, “She introduced the first photo by saying, ‘Here’s where I look like my Jewish cousin!’ – it was a picture of her with a huge, distorted nose. No one laughed, and Jay nervously said, ‘I’m glad you said that and not me.’ When the show aired, they cut out her ‘Jewish’ comment and added a laugh track to the bit.”

How fortunate to be a beautiful Hollywood starlet with sycophants like Jay Leno willing to help cover up your politically incorrect gaffes.

Debbie Schlussel lambastes the liberal double standard (see, for example, HuffPo):

Where are all the Ann Coulter critics who are so concerned with Anti-Semitism? I guess a bigoted, liberal (half)Black actress gets a pass where a conservative, blonde, white commentator does not. What was that which George Orwell said about all the animals in the barnyard being equal, but some being more equal than others?

Posted in: Hollyweird

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Comments


  1. #153064
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:33 pm, dakine said:

    You’re reaching on this one Michelle. Non story.

  2. #153067
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:36 pm, nbarry said:

    In that picture, she looks like Miss Piggy.

  3. #153068
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:36 pm, ThackerAgency said:

    slow news day other than the tragic fires, but a funny picture:)

  4. #153069
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:36 pm, vickisoup said:

    I agree with dakine. What Ann Coulter said was much more controversial, and who can argue that this picture of Halle Berry looks like every picture of Anne Franke ever printed? I’m 1/4 Jewish. I am not offended, and I seriously doubt others are, either.
    Michele, your point about the double standard is well-taken and always relevant.

  5. #153073
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:38 pm, watershed said:

    #1

    Agreed. About as much a story as-

    Debbie Schlussel Exists, Gives Opinion

  6. #153079
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:43 pm, Debbie Schlussel said:

    Jay Leno and NBC obviously think it’s an issue, or they wouldn’t have edited it out.

  7. #153083
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:45 pm, taylork said:

    The story is not what they said, but rather that what NBC and Leno cut out. You can bet if Ann Coulter said this on Leno, she’d be booed, chastized by the host and the clip would have never been edited.

  8. #153090
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:48 pm, dakine said:

    Debbie, Leno is not a journalist, he’s an entertainer, and the Tonight Show is entertainment, not news. He can edit his show in any manner he chooses. Berry’s a friend of Leno’s, so he was doing her a solid and keeping good relations. Makes good business sense. The Coulter comparison is a big reach and apples to oranges.

  9. #153091
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:48 pm, jrlingreenbay said:

    I agree with the ‘poor joke’ – non-story line of thought.

    It would have been interesting to see the editors, network anchors and talking heads fall all over themselves trying to get the story out if this had been uttered by the likes of Ann Coulter, MM or some other Conservative….

    I think the point here is the CYA, not the fact that she said it, in jest.

  10. #153092
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:49 pm, ACHefty said:

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  11. #153094
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:50 pm, ThackerAgency said:

    DS I appreciate all of your commentary on different topics. Keep up the good work.

  12. #153096
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:52 pm, watershed said:

    #8

    Well, unless the point is that what Coulter says in public should be given as much creedence as the average film entertainer on Leno, then yeah.

  13. #153097
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:54 pm, John Lee Pedimore said:

    Nothing will happen because most Jews have a sense of humor.

    No riots,no stomping each other to death during a protest,no be-headings,no religeous edicts calling for her death.

    Nothing to see here,move along.

    JLP

  14. #153102
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 3:58 pm, Buck I said:

    Ann Coulter is in a whole different league with her track record for inappropriate comments. Ann’s comments are intentional to create controvery, and sell books. Of course, Leno and the MSM would have pounced, and Ann would have LOVED IT.

    Halle’s joke was a bad idea. I for one believe in the double standard of Jews can make fun of Jews, Blacks of Blacks, Gays of Gay ect…
    Jackie Mason made a whole career of Jewish Jokes, but Flip Wilson or Johnny Carson obviously couldn’t tell those same Jewish Jokes.

    Halle Berry is not half Jewish, so she was out of line with the crack. Imagine, if Jodie Foster had a photo with huge lips and said, “here’s where I look like my African-American cousin”. Crickets, and then a few media hits, and then a meeting with Al Sharpton.
    I don’t thinks it’s a MAJOR story, but Halle was wrong. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION.

  15. #153103
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:01 pm, Fco said:

    Bigoted is too much. Her joke was simply not funny and at worst in poor taste. Ann Coulter’s comments directly demeaned Jews. There’s no comparison.

  16. #153104
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:02 pm, Ragspierre said:

    I have to say…she does look like a young Golda Meir. One of the greatest…but homeliest…women of the twentieth century.

  17. #153106
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:03 pm, twoninerkilo said:

    Do you know why people, religions, countrys and all the rest are stereotyped? Because there true!

  18. #153107
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:04 pm, The Ugly American said:

    Sorry…but I really don’t see why this is such a big deal.

  19. #153109
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:06 pm, Kevin from Ohio in Virginia said:

    I agree: the Halle Berry incident, in and of itself, is a non-story. I also believe that the Ann Coulter “anti-semitic” comments are a non-story.

    The story is the fact that the Tokyo Rose Media only thinks that one of the two is a non-story. That is the point that Ms. Schlussel is making when she asks, “Where are all the Ann Coulter critics who are so concerned with Anti-Semitism?”

  20. #153110
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:06 pm, dakine said:

    Good post Buck I.

  21. #153111
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:06 pm, LC said:

    Uh, yeah, who cares. People need to stop being so damn sensitive about EVERYTHING.

  22. #153113
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:07 pm, watershed said:

    #14

    It was a goof. She’s an actress, people. It’s not any big deal, in any way at all.

    But the whole schtick (haha) here is to fan flames of anything that might even remotely look like it could be construed even as slightly outrageous and make it burn.

    Debbie’s not as good as MM at it, though. Keep trying! ;)

  23. #153116
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:07 pm, granite said:

    #6 Debbie Schlussel:

    Exactly correct!

    A conservative/traditionalist would have been mercilessly, endlessly pilloried for having made such a statement.

    ‘Course, there are those who dismiss this issue; and no, I am not surprised in the least that they are being dismissive.

    Keep on keeping on, Ms. Schlussel, and fight each and every one of the
    “salami-tactics” attacks.

  24. #153118
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:08 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Interesting that she has pictures of herself…

    Hey, she’s a world-class babe and a lady, and probably meant no harm.

  25. #153121
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:09 pm, Gothguy said:

    Non-issue, dumb joke, in my honest opinion.

    As Americans, we really need to lighten up and not be so thin skinned over something as silly as this.

  26. #153122
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:09 pm, granite said:

    #18 Kevin from Ohio in Virginia:

    Exactly!!

  27. #153127
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:12 pm, Rob Taylor said:

    I’m disappointed in Halle and suspect that she’s been influenced by the hollywood left who are becoming quite antisemtic. As a “(half)Black” myself I’ve seen in my own family that those who lean more left have been telling more and mor anti-Semitic “jokes” and buying into Illuminati style conspiracy theories. Ironically they hear most of these things from Whites who are racists and are just parroting them.

    I will say I prefer Bi-racial or mixed race as opposed to Debbie’s “(half) Black.” It just felt odd to see it written like that, as if I (and Barry) are Blacks with and extra shot of Whitespresso. I think enven just Black would have been better.

    But I woke up ornery today.

  28. #153129
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:13 pm, ggchuck said:

    I have to agree with many of the other posters. This is a non-issue.

    It was a joke not intended to insult. But since it might offend, it was edited out. End of story.

    If she was trying to make a political statement then yeah maybe, jump on it. But I’m getting tired of every misstatement being set up with exaggerated mock indignation. That’s a trait I’d rather leave to the Liberals.

  29. #153130
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:14 pm, watershed said:

    #22

    If Coulter lists her top ten least favorite movies and A Space Odyssey is on it, and I get outraged, (come on, it’s a masterpiece) you might have what resembles a point.

    Otherwise, nope.

    This is actress-entertainment-Leno-fluff.

  30. #153133
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:16 pm, watershed said:

    #27

    Same goes for Amadeus. I love that flick!

  31. #153135
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:16 pm, watershed said:

    Monster’s Ball was pretty good.

  32. #153138
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:17 pm, purplepeep said:

    I wonder how she would have reacted had another guest refered to all black people being “born dancers”?

  33. #153152
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:23 pm, dakine said:

    Debbie, Michelle and some of you guys are trying to equate the following:

    Halle Berry, an actress with no real history of being political or really being anything but a pretty good (and amazingly hot) actress, goes on a very light and fluffy late night entertainment show and makes a dumb and very silly joke with no obviously ill will intended;

    vs.

    Ann Coulter, an extremely controversial and divisive political commentator with a long history of making ridiculous statements, goes on a fairly serious business/political talk show and states that Jews “need to be perfected”. C’mon…give me a break.

    Like I said before, big reach and a non-story IMHO.

  34. #153156
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:24 pm, granite said:

    “This is actress-entertainment-Leno-fluff.”

    Dismiss, dismiss, dismiss…zzzzzzzz.

    Not unlike the response of one side of the discussion (no, I do not mean here at MM) as to whether there is a left-wing bias in the media, or in Hollywood, or in academia:

    “Bias? What left-wing bias? You don’t really mean to assert that there is a left-wing bias, do you? How could you think that?” And so on, and so on.

    Yet again, two different worldviews;
    if it has to be explained to you, you’ll never understand.

    Ms. Schlussel, again: keep on keeping on.
    If a similar response to yours, multiplied many times, had been mounted to the numerous salami slice-type attacks on our society/culture over the past 40 or so years; then perhaps our society/culture would not be the sewer it is today.

  35. #153158
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:25 pm, granite said:

    #30 purplepeep:

    Dead on!!

  36. #153159
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:26 pm, right_on said:

    At least she wan’t attacking conservatives, or making jokes about how dumb Bush is….she’s an actress…what sort of intellectual discourse would anyone expect? I agree with many on this post…a non-issue.

  37. #153163
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:30 pm, watershed said:

    #32

    She’s an actress, on Leno. She’s fluff.

    Almost literally. She’s tiny! I saw her in person once. So many actors are smaller than you can imagine. Speaking of- Al Pacino, now he’s small. Anyone see Devil’s Advocate? I thought it was pretty good, but some people don’t like that one…blahblahblah fluff fluff blah.

  38. #153165
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:31 pm, Buck I said:

    Aloha Guy:

    I agree with you. She’s a babe and a lady, and meant no harm. I just found it slightly out of line. I’m sure she meant no harm.
    Ironically, Halle Berry was furious about 10 or so yrs ago when Ted Danson “roasted” Whoopi Goldberg(his then girlfriend) in blackface. Similarly, that was just a joke, that the target audience didn’t find funny.

    Dakine- Thanks.

  39. #153167
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:32 pm, Rob Taylor said:

    Maybe it’s not a non-issue if your Jewish. If I was I’d be pretty offended that she even thought that was funny. The picture looks like a deformed person, not a Jew.

    It is akin to Blackface. I agree H.B. probably doesn’t hate Jews on a concious level, but this is an awful joke.

  40. #153168
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:32 pm, granite said:

    Hmmm….

    1) Dismiss.

    2) Shift to different topic.

    Next…?

  41. #153172
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:35 pm, watershed said:

    #31

    Maybe, like I said, that IS the point, that Coulter’s words (who was the keynote speaker at CPAC, remember that great speech?) should carry as much import as Halle freaking Berry’s.

  42. #153177
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:36 pm, Burner said:

    Ann’s books are meant to educate a
    nation full of morons, people like
    Harry Belly

  43. #153179
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:37 pm, purplepeep said:

    vickisoup said:
    I’m 1/4 Jewish. I am not offended, and I seriously doubt others are, either.

    Vickie, to me that doesn’t always carry much meaning – think: George Soros and “self-hating Jews”. Also I consider if a person is just Jewish by birth or if s/he is observant/Orthodox. As you know, secular Jews and devout Jews are often worlds apart on things.

    who can argue that this picture of Halle Berry looks like every picture of Anne Franke ever printed?

    I think that’s actually more insensitive, especially given Frank’s story.

    But I don’t belive you mean to be at all offensive there. :)

    And I don’t think Berry intended it as a conscious ethnic/racial cheapshot. If this is part of a pattern for her, then it’d be more problematic in my estimation. But I don’t keep up with celeb news, so I dunno if it is a regular typical celeb thing with her or not.

    What Ann Coulter said was much more controversial

    You mean about “perfected Jews”?
    That is actually a correct & common term in Christian theology (perfection). I think Messianic Jews likely understand it even more completely.

    (Excellent writer & speaker, though I wouldn’t cite Ann as a fave theologian.)

  44. #153181
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:38 pm, granite said:

    #37 Rob Taylor:

    Well said.

    That’s the issue under discussion here.

    That, and the fact that Leno and NBC found it necessary to edit out;
    which, and I’d bet the house and the cars (but, not our first-born), they would NOT have done had, say, Patricia Heaton made such a remark.

    “Bias in Hollywood? What liberal/leftist bias? They’re out to make money! They’re not biased to the left. What on earth makes you think that?”

  45. #153183
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:39 pm, Ron Rockstar said:

    Geez, I think you people missed the point of the post entirely. It wasn’t about anyone being offended. It was about nobody being offended and the double standards. Had Ann Coulter Michelle Malkin said that, it would have been all I heard about today.

  46. #153189
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:40 pm, granite said:

    #43 Ron Rockstar:

    BINGO!!!

  47. #153201
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:46 pm, watershed said:

    #43

    And rightly so, given the fact that MM is a incredibly influencial conservative commentator, who’s opinion carries much weight in certain areas of the political arena, and someone who’s words are well crafted to make the most impact with her loyal base.

    Whereas, Halle Berry is, again, an actress, who made a goof.

  48. #153206
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:48 pm, Jim M. said:

    I agree that the comment was in bad taste and was moist likely a case of engaging the mouth before the brain.

    I took the reference here not to be directed at the comment per se, but to the double standard that seems to be prevalent.

    Coulter is not a good example here. First, they were in a deep discusssion on religion and not some puffy topic about software that makes you look funny. But, as to Ann’s comments, in the context they were given, I really did not see how they could be taken to offend. She was talking about christian doctrine. I am sure if the question was reversed, the host would have noted that judiasm believes one has to be among the chosen to ascend to heaven.

    I do not think Ms Berry’s comment really riled anyone up, but events like that do lead one to question what the reaction would be if the shoe was on the other foot. And unfortunately, there are more than a few examples of seemingly minor gaffes being blown out of proportion because of who said it to whom.

    There should be no double standard, and I think we have gotten to a point in our society where people’s skin, no matter what color, has grown entirely too thin.

  49. #153210
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:51 pm, right_on said:

    We all know the left is hypocritical. Saying it, and giving examples of their hypocracy repeatedly hasn’t, nor will it change a thing. An evil person does not see themselves as evil, their egos will not permit it. Since being a hypocrite is a “bad” thing, they will never see themselves as being “bad.” All the “double standard” talk fuels only more frustration on the right. My opinion.

  50. #153219
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:54 pm, jrlingreenbay said:

    Watershed:

    SO – only actors and non-influencial people can make jokes?

    Seriously – I long for the days of Don Rickles and Jackie Mason and the rest when we could just joke and laugh about these stereotypes and no one got offended or staged protests.

    Today – everyone raises hell over the littlest thing because it gets them press coverage.

  51. #153224
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 4:56 pm, conservativesRus said:

    Much one could say about certain posters here who quite often miss the point – but I’ll refrain except to say they mostly are from a worldview and political persuasion rather different than our host.

  52. #153235
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:01 pm, purplepeep said:

    Ron Rockstar said:
    Geez, I think you people missed the point of the post entirely. It wasn’t about anyone being offended. It was about nobody being offended and the double standards.

    Good point, Rock fella. Not to mention the editing “coverup”. So even the network must have deemed it offensive.

  53. #153246
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:06 pm, watershed said:

    #48

    And here we have the “Ann Coulter is just kidding” defense.

    I’m saying in her business, the conservative commentator biz, that the words you say carry way more influence and import than the average actress on Leno. If you disagree with that, you give way too much creedence to actors or way too little to Coulter.

    Maybe they should have Don Rickles do CPAC next year!

  54. #153250
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:07 pm, SAHMmy said:

    Now if Mel Gibson had said it…….

  55. #153254
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:07 pm, The Ugly American said:

    Geez, I think you people missed the point of the post entirely. It wasn’t about anyone being offended. It was about nobody being offended and the double standards. Had Ann Coulter Michelle Malkin said that, it would have been all I heard about today.

    Well duh ;) …isn’t that obvious?

    Still, you can mark me down in the “could really care less” column.

  56. #153265
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:13 pm, SAHMmy said:

    But people WERE offended. Nobody laughed. Why do people have to be pilloried for saying something stupid? If it’s wrong to pillory conservatives for making stupid jokes, it’s wrong to pillory anyone, isn’t it?

  57. #153268
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:15 pm, Dr. Lead Based Paint said:

    Who is Halle Berry?

  58. #153270
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:15 pm, SAHMmy said:

    And if you’re waiting for moonbats and the like to be consistent and fair….

    I want whatever it is you’re smoking;)

  59. #153273
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm, jukin said:

    IMO, Halle is just trying to get a speaking gig at Columbia.

  60. #153277
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:22 pm, blues said:

    In my opinion,the fact that Halle would make such a statement isn’t an issue,after all, everyone makes a faux pas now and then.I believe that what is important here is the fact that she realized on her own that she said something offensive and immediately apologized.As noted,no one would have known about it if not for the New York Post,but if you read the Post article ,it begins with”Halle Berry was apologizing “.Tells me that she wasn’t even called on it before she made the apology.

  61. #153280
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:23 pm, purplepeep said:

    watershed said:
    #48

    And here we have the “Ann Coulter is just kidding” defense

    .

    No, waterhed, she is quite serious and quite correct theologically. The only problem is she used a term (perfection) that is most commonly used in Christian apologetics. Some Messianic Jews use the term “completed Jews” in self-reference instead.

    Essentially it means being made whole/complete/mature in accepting Christ as Savior and Lord.

    As I infered before, Ann just isn’t a world class Christian apologist. But she is correct on this; she would have been more clear had she not used a King James era word.

  62. #153283
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:24 pm, purplepeep said:

    Dr. Lead Based Paint said:
    Who is Halle Berry?

    No, no – “Who” is on first!

  63. #153285
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:27 pm, feebiebabe said:

    Dakine – #31 – Agreed (to a point).

    I guess this is how I see it…my 2 cents, (bad grammar included as bonus)…

    No one (with half a brain) would accuse Ann as being Anti-Semitic. She is one of their fiercest defenders. Period. Similarly, that Rush would be anti-military. But, look…it happened. Why? Liberals (having no sense of humor) do not understand how to interpret Hyperboles or Sarcasm. Is Ann is tongue and cheek, yes. Over the top sometimes, yes. Kind of a butt head at times, yes (yet, I still find her amusing-fancy that)….But an Anti-Semite…she is far from.

    Halle, quite frankly (attractive in her own right) is no intellectual heavy weight by any means. Dip-twit, would probably be fairly accurate. She is a famous, beautiful, and accomplished actress….people probably follow her around all day telling her that her poop doesn’t smell (and probably getting paid very well to do so). Unfortunately, these are the same people who probably neglected to tell her that Jewish jokes on National TV, bad idea!

    You just have to wonder if this is the humor that gets all the snickers by the Usual Suspects in Hollywood. Then, little brain, – being the little brain that she is probably thought it was funny to start parroting these sentiments (since a comment like this would probably be no big deal in her small little circle of poop sniffers) and too ignorant to see it was in bad taste.

    Was she being malicious, no, probably not. But, lets just say (Dakine to use your words) Halle should seriously stick to her day job! Stand-up and politics are not her thing.

    PS. Debbie, you seriously Rock!!!

  64. #153287
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:31 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    Where are all the Ann Coulter critics who are so concerned with Anti-Semitism? I guess a bigoted, liberal (half)Black actress gets a pass where a conservative, blonde, white commentator does not. What was that which George Orwell said about all the animals in the barnyard being equal, but some being more equal than others?DS

    It was a goof. She’s an actress, people. It’s not any big deal, in any way at all.(Watershed)#12

    There is clearly a double standard when it comes to non-PC comments made by the left. Almost any libb who makes a comment that is non-PC is given a free pass. The Press hammers anybody on the right. Remember when Tom Selleck went on the Rosie show? That was in 1996. That video still gets airtime. You think they’ll be talking about this Halle Berry Segment 11 year form now? Ms. Halle Barry is still HAWT.

  65. #153288
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:31 pm, meatpieandtatters said:

    Sure, and the liberals go apoplectic about Fox News’ so-called bias. The lame stream media are the ones who invented SPIN, but the liberals are too mind-numbed to admit it.

  66. #153292
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:35 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    How fortunate to be a beautiful Hollywood starlet with sycophants like Jay Leno willing to help cover up your politically incorrect gaffes.MM

    I thought you made your point clearly. Thank you for pointing out the liberal double standard.

    /s/

    the guerilla

  67. #153294
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:40 pm, John Ansell said:

    Well, I don’t think Halle was doing a hit and run on purpose……..

  68. #153300
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:47 pm, watershed said:

    #64

    That Rosie incident became infamous because Rosie bum-rushed Selleck, and it was intensly uncomfortable. I personally think Rosie got more flack for that than Selleck. What is the comparison you’re trying to make?

  69. #153310
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:54 pm, Yashmak said:

    I agree with the non-story crowd.

    There’s a distinct difference between Ann Coulter, and Halle Berry, and it has nothing to do with political leanings.

    Ann Coulter is paid to provide accurate and insightful political and social commentary, and as such it’s no surprise when her feet are held to the fire for saying something that she should damn well knows is inflammatory. Maybe Halle Berry is smart enough to know better, maybe not. I’d tend to think NOT, given statements she has made in the past on other issues. Difference is, we know that Ann Coulter IS smart enough to know better.

    Apples and oranges.

  70. #153314
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 5:59 pm, granite said:

    More, and more, and more; and more and more erudite and sophisticated,…but still just more and more dismissing, more spin.

    Debbie Sclussel is correct here, as she said in post #6 (yep, way back there) above: “Jay Leno and NBC obviously think it’s an issue, or they wouldn’t have edited it out.”

    Like George Costanza, I’ve raised my arms in triumph…:”I’m outta here!” (for now)

  71. #153316
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:01 pm, hadsil said:

    I bet Halle Berry won’t have to go into “rehabilitation” as others have had to do when they use the n-word or f-word.

    Some Jews would be offended by Halle Berry’s joke, those who are professionally offended, but I think for the most part Jews understand context, and while it may have been poor taste, it wasn’t sinister.

    I shake my head at Halle Berry but don’t begrudge her.

  72. #153319
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:07 pm, pressto said:

    *sigh*

    Political Correctness running amuck again.

  73. #153324
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:10 pm, watershed said:

    Here’s a pertinent comparison of poor judgement, the media, and the reaction from the populace.

    On the last Jerry Lewis telethon, after god knows how many hours awake, a very bloated Jerry starts riffing on the cameraman and calls him a “fag”. The media makes it a story the next day to the 99% of people who don’t have the stomach to watch all 48 hours of the telethon, GLAAD goes berserker, and Jerry apologizes immediately, saying he was sleepless and wasn’t thinking.

    Ann Coulter is the keynote (keynote!) speaker at CPAC, the pre-eminent gathering for American conservatives, sharing a bill with the most prominent conservative thinkers in the world- heads of state, think tankers, pundits, etc, and she starts off her highly anticipated speech by insinuating John Edwards is a “faggot”.

    The media makes it a story the next day, GLAAD goes berserker, and Coulter never apologizes- in fact, she relishes the attention.

    And many of you people 1) consider these two incidents somehow equally important, 2) still consider Coulter more than worthy of your time, and 3) think it’s the “liberal media” with the bias, not yourselves.

    Please.

  74. #153327
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:12 pm, JWS said:

    This is hard to believe. ANOTHER black making bigoted and insensitive remarks and nothing is made of it? She won’t be called on it, made to apologize to no avail? Her career won’t be ruined and she won’t have to attend sensitivity traing? There MUST be some mistake…

  75. #153332
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:18 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Michelle, just in case you hear from Halle Berry, please forward her my email address. In this case I have a “big tent” that can include “beautiful Hollywood starlet(s) with sycophants.”
    ;)
    Thank you, now for lunch.

  76. #153352
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:34 pm, Buck I said:

    #68 You are absolutely correct.

  77. #153364
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:40 pm, dakine said:

    Yashmak, you said it way better than I did.

    Don Imus, Michael Richards, Isaiah Washington, anybody?

  78. #153366
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:42 pm, Concerned Citizen said:

    Just like Nixon, Martha Stewart, and Scooter Libby.

    The crime isn’t important. It’s the cover-up.

  79. #153374
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:48 pm, cf said:

    Not only was that an anti-semitic comment, but it was followed up a few minutes later were both Leno and Berry said that another distorted picture looked like Monica Lewinsky. Fine, except that none of the other pictures seemd to invoke likenesses except those of a Jewish cousin or Lewinsky; both Leno and Berry said Lewinsky simultaneously. Meeting of the great minds.

    I’m glad someone watches this garbage so I don’t have to!

  80. #153382
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 6:59 pm, Yashmak said:

    Debbie Sclussel is correct here, as she said in post #6 (yep, way back there) above: “Jay Leno and NBC obviously think it’s an issue, or they wouldn’t have edited it out.”

    How much does it matter if they think it’s an issue? Maybe we should wait and see if the Jewish groups think it’s an issue.

    If they don’t, it really doesn’t matter WHAT NBC and Leno think. . .DOES IT!

  81. #153391
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm, vickisoup said:

    To purplepeep #43: I appreciate that you don’t think I’m mean. I’m not mean. Nor do I find it mean when others stereotype features more common to my Jewish ancestors. I am not a self-hating Jew, like George Soros. As a 25-year follower of the greatest Jew that ever has or ever will live, I understand Ann’s comments, for the same reason that you do.
    There is no argument that Ann Coulter’s comments were not more controversial than Halle Berry’s; no matter their respective spheres of influence. The word “controversial” is not perjorative; it’s descriptive.

  82. #153393
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 7:10 pm, blues said:

    cf-I happened to see the segment,there was also a distorted image with the chin extended into a charicature of Leno.They both agreed that it was the funniest of the photos.
    All I see here is an unintentionally offensive joke,followed immediatly by a heart-felt apology.Nothing to call her out on,no need to force an apology.She called herself out,and apologized.Offensive joke-heartfelt apology-end of story.

  83. #153396
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 7:12 pm, JWS said:

    The “issue” is this, and ONLY this: certain groups of people are allowed to say anything with impunity. blacks happen to be one of those groups. This idiot knew full well what she was saying and thought it would be oh so funny…

  84. #153400
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 7:15 pm, its vintage duh said:

    and if NBC and Leno hadn’t cut it out, you’d be lambasting them for showing it.

  85. #153401
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    That Rosie incident became infamous because Rosie bum-rushed Selleck, and it was intensly uncomfortable. I personally think Rosie got more flack for that than Selleck. What is the comparison you’re trying to make?watershed

    The comparison that I’m trying to make is how Halle Berry is given a free pass, and Tom Selleck was not. Selleck gets accused of being an NRA gun nut, while Halle Berry gets her comments taken out. Arnold Schwarzengger has been accused of making racist statements. Nobody ever tries to cover up what he says. Bottom line: there is a liberal double standard.

  86. #153419
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 7:34 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    You’re right on – Michelle – there is a double standard.

  87. #153443
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:02 pm, Ranten.N.Raven said:

    Please put me down on the side of Michelle and Debbie on this one.

    What Miz Berry did was only silly and stupid? Yes. But, like happens so often in politics (think Watergate), it’s the cover-up that shows the underlying truth.

    They cover-up her goof, magnify those of conservatives, and in Limbaugh’s case, just make sh*t up! That is the story.

  88. #153447
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:04 pm, dakine said:

    Repeat: Don Imus, Michael Richards, Isaiah Washington? Anybody? Bueller?

  89. #153449
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:07 pm, John Ansell said:

    Ranten Raven #87, Now that’s funny. True but funny when you put it like that. It’s the same with the Stormin’ Mormon calling Osama Obama. Teddy the life guard did it and nothing. Mitt does it and it’s huge.

    I think from here on out, the “D” behind the Democrats’ names should also contain an “S” for double standard.

  90. #153450
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:07 pm, Jim M. said:

    And here we have the “Ann Coulter is just kidding” defense.

    Don’t know where you got that one from what I said. But then again, I have not yet been able to get through that dense lump above your shoulders. What are we dealing with: teak? Brazilian cherry? granite?

    I think for the benefit of the entire board, we are going to start posting your menu daily. If would mean a great deal if you could alert us in the AM as to what you will be regurgitating throughout the day.

    Watershed – a proud member of MooOn.org.

  91. #153451
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:11 pm, Glamchild said:

    “and if NBC and Leno hadn’t cut it out, you’d be lambasting them for showing it.”

    No no no no…..I’d be lambasting Berry, which I might do anyway. Leno actually spoke up and sort of hinted that Berry was wrong. —Because she didn’t have the sense to realize it on her own, before Leno said something.

    Leno comes out of this looking good for speaking up. I think it was NBC that wanted this censored, and that’s what bothers me.

    I’ll agree, it’s a non-issue in the sense that the Philipino/Desperate Housewives thing was a non-issue….yet that made it past abc censors !

    I think it’s interesting that you can get away with slamming certain groups on network TV, but not others.

  92. #153475
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm, bear1909 said:

    I think the picture looks like a vacuous sexually addicted twit. But I could be wrong.

  93. #153485
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:46 pm, Mike D. said:

    Cant seem to get too worked up about this. Lots going on.

  94. #153488
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:47 pm, huggybear said:

    Halle Barry and Ann Coulter? Apples, meet oranges. If Ann Coulter were censored everytime she made an obnoxious remark, she would never be on TV. Her book sales would probably suffer as well.

    I love when people excuse Ann Coulter for her “hyperboles” because she clearly doesn’t mean what she says literally. Hey, I’m just a stupid liberal who doesn’t understand sarcasm, but even I can buy that. Problem is, some people do take what she says literally, and they agree with her. Literally. What’s worse, her frequent appearances on TV news shows lend an air of legitimacy to her schtick, which we all know is little more than a well-choreographed stand-up routine *winkwink*.

    This kind of sarcasm may be funny, it may sell books, it may ratchet up the teevee ratings a few notches, but it should have no place in serious political discourse. Could you imagine Peggy Noonan calling someone a faggot? Ronald Reagan is spinning.

  95. #153497
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:51 pm, jsr said:

    This bad joke is nothing and is being blown way out of proportion, including the “cover-up”. The last thing we need is to start a conservative style politcal correctness that demonizes trivial little comments like this.

  96. #153499
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:51 pm, watershed said:

    #90

    I wasn’t talking to you.

    The post I was responding to is now #50. I could swear the numbers have changed!

    Does nayone have any insight as to the workings of this board and the numbers on posts? This has happened before, and I am curious.

  97. #153502
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 8:57 pm, watershed said:

    #90

    And seriously, rather than jump down my throat with your wonderful insult-style “humor” that’s so popular around here, you could have probably figured out that my response was for the post practically right next to you, and been a little less of a toad about it. Goodness.

  98. #153504
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 9:02 pm, Jim M. said:

    I saw no numbers change. So now, it cannot be a mistake on your part but must be part of the vast right wing conspiracy to confuse you. I doubt you need a conspiracy for that.

    Opps, shot the wrong guy. give me a break.

    You are udderly ridiculous.

  99. #153506
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 9:07 pm, buckshot said:

    A lot of cases of A.D.D. on this thread

  100. #153514
    On October 23rd, 2007 at 9:23 pm, Grey Fox said:

    If Ann Coulter had wanted to be inflammatory about the Jews, she could have said that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, that the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David applied to those who followed the Messiah, not to the ethnic sons of Abraham, and thus that if Jews do not convert to Christianity they will go to Hell. All of which is taught in the New Testament. Instead, she said they had to be “perfected,” which is a very diplomatic thing by comparison. It is probably the nicest way to say that they missed the Messiah back c. AD 30…

    Ann is very inflammatory on a regular basis, and a lot of the criticism directed towards her is quite justified, but there she was simply stating orthodox Christian doctrine in an uncharacteristically mild fashion. There is no way for her to apologize for her statements without denying a central tenet of Christianity, and no reason for her to do so, IMO.

    Amazing how many people cannot distinguish between Judaism the religion and Jewish ethnicity.I wonder if the phenomenon has anything to do with the tendecy to equate dislike of Islam as “Racism”…

    As for the actual subject of the thread, I couldn’t care less what Halle Berry or whatever her name is said in and of itself, but I would be curious to know what would have happened had it been Mel Gibson.

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