Seinfeld’s Michael Richards Apologizes
For Racist Remarks on Letterman
What may have in the Late Show commercial teasers seemed like a fun Seinfeld reunion – both Jerry Seinfeld and Michael “Kramer” Richards appearing on Letterman Monday night – was instead marred by Richards’ apology for racist remarks made during a recent stand-up act.
Richards allegedly lashed out at African-American hecklers during a stand-up comedy set at Los Angeles’ Laugh Factory. He used racial epithets and alluded to a time when African-Americans were victims of civil rights abuses. The incident was caught on video. (Since About Talk Shows is appalled by the incident, we’ve declined to include a link. However, CNN did report on the incident.)
Monday night on Letterman, Richards appeared via satellite. He apologized for his attack and said that it was fueled by anger and not bigotry. “For me to be at a comedy club and flip out and say this, I'm deeply, deeply sorry. I'm not a racist. That's what's so insane about this.”
Seinfeld, who appeared Monday on the Late Show as well, arranged for Richards appearance, encouraging his former co-star to talk about the incident. Seinfeld said his friend was “shattered” by what happened.
Richards was visibly upset during his appearance and mentioned that he was growing uncomfortable with the venue.
Only time will tell what damage this tirade has wrought. Many Tinseltown elite have called this a career finisher for Richards.
Tuesday night on the Late Show:
- Hugh Jackman, star of The Fountain
- Chris Elliott
Comments
I don’t blame Clay for what he did to Kelly. He was her co-host and she was dominating the entire interview. She should apologize to him. I watch the show every day and I have never seen her do that to any other co-host and she definitely wouldn’t do that to Regis. If she wants to run the whole show on Fridays, then forget about getting a co-host. I find her irritating a great deal of the time.
Interesting few of you who write about Richard’s racist tirade have any personal point of view–most of you commentators had lots to say about Gibson’s tirade and rightly so. But why is everybody beginning to equivocate about Richard’s racist behavior. Actually I could care less about his use of the N word–using that word merely makes him stupid and racist. It is his statement about fifty years ago those black guys would have been hanging upside down in a tree with a fork in their a—-. That is the insult. To allude to the practice of lynching–the manner in which thousands of black people were murdered and butchered was an insult to all those who died in that manner, it is an insult to Martin and Rosa parks, to the black and white civil rights activists who were murdered in Mississippi, to Emmett Till, the 14 year old who was lynched. Does the public know there using to be public lynchings of blacks where whole white families used to go on Sunday afternoons to watch. Pictures taken there were made into postcards and those were sent across the country in the mail? Do people know the real history of lynching in this country? And Michael Richards alluded to this heinous act.
I want the press, the black community and the jewish community to create the same firestorm for Michael Richards as they did for Mel Gibson. There are somethings for which there are no apologies-things once said you can never take back.
I watch The View everyday. Exactly it’s the VIEW not pick on Kelly. I thought it was great Kelly called in BUT Kelly took it to far and hurt her and Regis show. It’s one thing to say your view and another to make a scene like Kelly. If Kelly really watches The View her on going remarks would of stopped. Keep up the great job we all love watching your view.
I assume the Holocaust also appauls you and wonder, if so, would you decline to show footage of the horrors that took place during WWII.
I think it’s ludicrous that you deem what is fit and not fit to be shown – especially when you include a link to the clip in question anyway.
I found the episode very disturbing and sad. Does this idiot believe that only “white America” is responsible for his success? He should be holding the fork to the mouths of his fans! I have grown tired of these – very wealthy – celebrities believing they can do anything, say anything, and just keep rocking on after they apologize. Moreover, even his apology reeked of an “I was pushed to it…” excuse.
I have watched (with pleasure) years of Seinfeld, but ya know what? It will not be funny any longer. All I will see is that big idiot making the most offensive statements when he is being paid to entertain.
Come on – we all know if we did the same thing at work, we would be fired. So – Richards, in my book – You’re Fired!
Re: Above Comments by Victoria je”
Very well put Victoria and I wish you would get on a talkshow somewhere and voice exactly what you posted in this blog.
I appreciate everyone’s candor in the comments regarding the Michael Richards incident. I encourage you to continue voicing your opinions openly in this forum.
I wanted make a brief comment as to why I did not link directly to the stand-up routine and instead to the CNN report. Because I have to consider younger readers, I chose not to link directly to the unedited and pretty raw footage of Michael Richards tirade.
I was compelled, however, to include some further content for readers to explore, and the CNN report on YouTube fit that category. It includes a disclaimer about language and presents a balanced report about the incident, as well as commentary from fellow comedian Paul Rodriguez.
I will always endeavor to maintain a PG-rated blog. Unfortunately, Richards’ outburst did not — and does not — fall within my guidelines.
I hope you will understand this point of view. If you are truly curious about the act, you can easily visit YouTube and search for Michael Richards. The incident will surely pop up.
Thank you!
Tom
I can understand your wanting to keep the site PG; however, when refusing to link to footage of Richard’s tirade, you specifically say it is because you were “appalled by the incident,” that you declined the link. Not to belabour the point or anything, but that is different from wanting to keep the site young-reader-friendly. I actually think it’s useful for people of any age to witness how ugly Richards outburst was and the strong reaction people had to it.
Rachel, I appreciate your comments and can see your point of view. I will take those into consideration with future blog postings.
Thanks again!
Tom
Tom,
Thank you for not linking to the routine. I was disgusted just reading his comments on the AP wire. I can understand the curiosity, but his stand up was a car wreck and I think you have every right to block onlookers from viewing it. I think his apologies are hollow statements only prompted by the PR nightmare he created for himself. This is the year 2006; any adult with half their wits (maybe that’s the problem) knows what to say and not say. HE says he was upset… So what?! My dry cleaner pisses me off all the time, but do I blurt out racist slurs at him? The man on the subway offended me yesterday, but did I call him unimaginable words? Of course not because I am aware of my environment and respect those in it, even if they choose not to respect me. I’ve been called the N word several times in my life. Each time it hurt to the core of my soul that someone would be so insensitive. My grandparents have relatives that were lynched. Even the slightest remark is too close to home for many African-Americans and myself. Some things are just not funny. Richards says he’s not racist, but the N word slip out of his mouth way to easily and with no hesitation. He may feel bad now, but some closeted racists do once they realize the world now knows how they really feel. He can keep his apology and I’ll keep my money away from any project he’s associated with.
People screw up so what.I have been an entertainer for 21 years and have sold out more shows than any Canadian artist has in Canadian history. We have all said things in our own mind or in public!!!. I beleive he is not a racist and would book him at any of the venues I deal with. Forgive him even though hes has screwed up royaly he is making an effort. Feel free to respond, but remember the last time you were drivin to the end of your rope. Its not right but think about it tony@livetourartists.com
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