Don Rickles’ Obama Joke Cut From Broadcast By Viacom
A racially charged Don Rickles joke will be cut from TV Land’s American Film Institute tribute to Shirley MacLaine when the program airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on June 24.
Rickles caused a stir last Thursday night when he cracked a joke comparing Obama to a janitor at the Shirley MacLaine tribute show. “President Obama is a personal friend of mine,” said Rickles at the event. “He was over to the house yesterday, but the mop broke.”
A TV Land spokesperson gave a cautious statement to The Hollywood Reporter when asked about the off-color joke, simply saying, “It’s not going to make it on the air — that’s all I’ll say about it.”
Rickles, who is famous for being (a) an insults comic and (b) about 900 years old (he seems to be more easily forgiven for this kind of thing, coming as he does from “another generation”), is well-known for close-to-the-knuckle jokes. Yet the comedian is not being censored, according to his representative:
“He is not being censored. Before all of this started, we knew Don’s spot would be cut a bit for time, as would others, including possibly Shirley herself since the show ran over and we knew it was likely that might be edited. This is a non-story and requires no further comment.”
This is not implausible, either. The black-tie evening at which Rickles cracked his slightly odious joke lasted four hours. The network’s telecast will run just 90 minutes.
Rickles’ other material at the event took pot shots at celebs such as Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty and MacLaine herself.
Tags : don rickles, don rickles joke cut, don rickles obama joke, don rickles president obama joke, don rickles racial joke, obama racial joke, President Obama
Posted: June 14, 2012
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Jun 14, 2012
Joke wasn't racist, it was funny and its what he does. So sad this country is turning into a country of spineless, apologetic cowards.
Jun 14, 2012
He forgot the number rule, blacks and gays are off limits to any kind of jokes or criticism.
Jun 14, 2012
Well he can still pick the cotton can't he , LOLOL.
Jun 14, 2012
tv land is a obama mark.they cant handle the truth.
Jun 14, 2012
……….There is "Freedom Of Speech" in our Constitution……… This is Communism…………….. Even if what he said makes no sense, he should be allowed to say what he wants…………. But, The People REFUSE to see what is coming down the pike………………
Jun 14, 2012
censorship, period
Jun 14, 2012
I swear, we are in freaking Russia or some muslim country. Thanks you libs This is your idea of freedom huh?
Jun 14, 2012
No matter what racists haters say, he is still THE PRESIDENT, President Barack Hussein Obama!
And he was elected legally, not selected by a bunch of Supreme Court Crooks.
But Rickles is right about one thing. President Obama is still trying to mop up the mess left by a whole lot of racist crooks, even while still being a great Commander in Chief. And he's working for the good of the whole country, unlike his morally corrupt counterparts.
Jun 14, 2012
I agree. Rickles has ridiculed every President since Eisenhower. It's his act. His humor is clean compared to the crap on TV.
Jun 14, 2012
Hey Azalee, Rosa Parks? Civil Rights Icon? or just too lazy to go to the back of the bus?
Jun 14, 2012
Rickles being Rickles. Nobody is spared from being skewered, and he's been doing it for decades. The Bill Mahers and Jon Stewarts get a pass for deprecating remarks because they are considered 'humorists'? Cut the crap and move on.
Jun 14, 2012
? Don told an off colored joke? What is next, the Mannings going to throw a football? If it had been a black comedian they could have called him a "N". Don's been telling these kind of jokes for fifty years that I know of. I did not say I liked them, but I'll defend his right to be just as obnoxious as eveyone else.
Jun 14, 2012
big hubbub over this joke. government killing it's own people still ok.
Jun 14, 2012
Karen? Don Rickles ain't in jail for what he said and you ain't in jail for what you wrote.
The Government had nothing to do with Rickles' little joke from getting down. It was good old fashioned capitalism that did it. You do know what capitalism is – it is supposed to be what conservatives champion when they blame liberals for their socialist ways.
The reason this was cut was because of marketing analysis and projected sales impact by the privately owned TV Land network. They made the choice, not because they were told to, but because they knew not airing it would be more profitable for them.
Capitalism can be a beautiful thing some times.
Jun 14, 2012
my roomate's ex-wife makes $79/hr on the laptop. She has been out of a job for 9 months but last month her pay was $8641 just working on the laptop for a few hours. Go to this web site CashLazy.*com
remove the *
Jun 14, 2012
Bull feces. Obama has been lying to us since the day he took office. He has broken EVERY promise that he made to us. Now, he intends to go ahead with Obamacare even if the Supreme Court decides against him. He has declared war on our Constitution, and supports very few of America's founding principles. Before you say anything, I should tell you that I fell for his BS and voted for him. After his very first Presidential appointment, I realized what a horrible decision I had made. Obama is a liar, and a disgrace to the Presidency. I do not think you have even been following politics, or you could not have made such an out-of-touch with reality statement. Don't even dare call me a racist. When you play that card, it is only because you have no other argument to defend him with. Obama has just as much white in him as black, so anyone of those races calling Obama a racial name is denigrating their own heritage as well. Obama will lose this November. One of the reasons is because he does not even have a passing acquaintance with the truth. He is working for the good of his campaign donors, and foreign interests. He has done very damn little to further American interests anywhere, especially at home. Obama is the worst President in the history of our Republic. Jimmy Carter should be eternally grateful to Obama.
Jun 14, 2012
If Rickles had NOT made a racist joke, THAT would have been news.
Jun 14, 2012
No they are not. If they truly want equality, then they can take just as many insults as the white male has to take on a daily basis. How grown people cry about being called a name is just like being in the playground during elementary school. Words can not hurt you. Maybe Obama's mom should write a letter to Rickles' mom, and complain about her kid being picked on. What a crock.
Jun 14, 2012
Liberals' idea of Free Speech is that you must agree with Liberalism in order to speak. The Liberals are the most intolerant political group in America today.
Jun 15, 2012
…….. What's……… With……… The……….. Spacing………. When a private television station decides not to air something it's not because of communism, Fox News does this all the time on the O'Reilly show. Also he is not the only one being edited. Read the whole article you nut job.
Jun 15, 2012
Of course Obama's mop broke, he's had to clean up so much crap from our last president.
Jun 15, 2012
at lest president bush never took away our freedom of speech…i bet hes scared 2 and going 2 the poles in nov…oh I forgot hes not that intllegent…jj…remember…..how quickly u idiots forget…i hope ill b able 2 forget this idiot…just kie president bush probably doing…
Jun 15, 2012
Typical Demon-Cat………………The first thing out of your yap is to personally attack someone. ………….There's some more space for you to fill in the void between your ears……………Maybe you need to take a little junket to a place like Afghanistan, that might help to give you some perspective as to what the real world is all about…………..(More Space, just for you…………!!)
Jun 15, 2012
And oh yeah, I strongly urge you to do some reading about how Communism is portrayed and developed, especially in the 20th Century……………………..(More Space again, just for you………….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Jun 15, 2012
Now, we can disagree but we don't need to be disagreeable……………..Right? I'll be happy to debate issues with you as long as you are respectful about it………………
Jun 15, 2012
I have visited communist countries, i.e Taiwan, I work there with the U.S. Navy and the Taiwan Airforce. When I enter my hotel room my Naval escort tells me to not say anything political because my room is bugged and I will be investigated, that is communism, I have dealt with it first hand. It was printed in the first line of this article…….. "Racially charged comment" not "politically charged comment", you want to talk about voids between ears, I'm curious as to how your void processes information. Personal attack? I call you a nut job and you call that an attack? What about the personal attack made on the president by some has been comedian? That didn't qualify as an attack? No, it was something you are willing to defend. As for the study of global politics like communism, I am very involved in the research. This is an example of (hold your breath) Capitalism, this is a television station that is privately owned, and decided not to air something that may upset it's sponsors or it's viewers, based on the fear of losing money. I'm sure when a television station like Comedy Central makes fun of the president and calls him "ghetto" they do not fear government retaliation. What about the censorship of Mohammed in a cartoon episode? Was that a sign of communism? Or was it fear of a terrorist retaliation? Get ready for another personal attack… It's people like you who obviously hold the capacity for thought but no intelligence, and creates hysteria based of their own ill-conceived notion of politics. If everything you say is true, why haven't any Birthers or Tea Partyers been thrown in prison or had their organization silenced because they speak against our communist president? The answer- He's not a communist. Maybe you should learn what communism is all about.
Jun 15, 2012
………….You seem to be somewhat knowledgeable as to Communism, I will give you that. I happen to have had plenty of experience with former Soviet citizens and I understand clearly that one of the most important tools of Communists and their regimes is information control. That is accomplished in many ways as I'm sure you know. Political correctness is just one example. My only point about what Don Rickles is that he should be allowed to say whatever he wants, just like say, Bill Maher, when he calls Sarah Palin anything that he wants………….All of that having been said, I will have to take this up later because I am going on a mini vaycay……….L8TR……………….!
Jun 15, 2012
People like Bill Maher have programs without public sponsors, he has producers that allow him to say what he wants. What about Bill O'Reilly who cuts off a persons mic and tells them to shut up? At that same note Maher has people on his show that oppose his views and he gives them time to speak their message. Have fun on your vacation! (I'm mean that sincerely)
Jun 21, 2012
…….Ok, Internet is working once again but, we are swamped and I don't have time for our discussion at the moment. Thanks for being reasonable to talk with, and, thanks for the sentiment concerning the vaycay. Appreciate it! I will be back………………!
Jun 21, 2012
Michael J Beglin Jr. Yeah, the white man sure has it hard in today's America.
Jun 21, 2012
Jeremy Clopton Taiwan isn't communist. Jesus, you reveal your ignorance easily.
Jun 21, 2012
And I agree with your point, but cheez.
Jun 21, 2012
Christ, are you an idiot? Did the government censor Rickles? Is he doing time for his silly crack? Learn what free speech means before you post, asshat.
Jun 21, 2012
Pgus, Taiwan is under communist control, although Taiwan officials have not recognized the communist rule, they must still adhere to the communist rule of main land China which owns Taiwan. Do a little more research. Taiwan IS under communist control.
Jun 21, 2012
I have to agree with Jeremy on this point, Taiwan is indeed a Communistic society. I doubt that we would really defend them against the Chinese PLA whenever they decide to physically invade (and they will). I wonder if Chang Kai Shek would have been any less of a murderous thug than was Mao Tse Tung.? Let's see: approximately 70 MILLION Chinese were terminated during Mao's reign of terror. Naaaaaahhh………..That's just fabricated history, some would say.
Jun 22, 2012
dont u understand freedom of speech…u just had it…..myb i should tell someone …not…im to not care….
Jun 26, 2012
Rougher than any other group out there. We are the only group that cannot sue for discrimination. That is messed up. We are expected to pay for the "crimes" of our ancestors, but nobody else is. That's messed up. Somehow, the white man of today is responsible for what a handful of their ancestors did. That's plain ol' fucked up.
Jul 21, 2012
Next time "Liberals" humiliate and degrade a person for something they can't control (like skin color, sexual orientation or being physically disabled) you give me a call…cause it happens every minute of every day from the "conservatives"
Jul 21, 2012
Next time "Liberals" humiliate and degrade a person for something they can't control (like skin color, sexual orientation or being physically disabled) you give me a call…cause it happens every minute of every day from the "conservatives"
Jul 21, 2012
"Conservatives" have gotten it into their heads that discrimination based on THE CONTENT OF ONE'S CHARACTER and tA PERSON'S BEHAVIOR (over things like skin color, sexual orientation, et al) is some kind of evil. No, it is the fair and balanced way to run a proper society, so eat it!
Jul 21, 2012
"Conservatives" have gotten it into their heads that discrimination based on THE CONTENT OF ONE'S CHARACTER and tA PERSON'S BEHAVIOR (over things like skin color, sexual orientation, et al) is some kind of evil. No, it is the fair and balanced way to run a proper society, so eat it!
Jul 24, 2012
It won't be broadcast….but put forward to the millions via Internet? Go figure.
Jul 27, 2012
More so than any other race or sex. We have to constantly analyze every word we say before we utter it, in case we offer offense to somebody. Everyone else can say what they want about us. Everything we do is a "hate crime", but if it's done to us, it's just a crime. There is a double-standard being perpetrated in America, and it is against the white man. Anyone that says we have it coming is a fool. How are we responsible for what very few of our ancestors did? We are not. What we have here is racism, pure and simple, against the white man. Let's see how long we tolerate it before we start our own groups like the NAAWP, United Caucasian College Fund, etc.
Aug 13, 2012
Michael J Beglin Jr. : But you're disagreeing w/ this now and yet you're free to do so… what's the problem? I don't think it's a liberal conservative thing at all.
Aug 14, 2012
Get off the internet you old bitch. "while still being a great Commander in Chief" take your medication.
Oct 16, 2012
Of course when the skank, liberal, garbage-mouth Wanda Sykes made her not-racist but just grotesque and stupid comment about Rush, in front of a similar pack of weasels -er- liberals, it wasn't edited, and she was called "Brave". See the 1st comment in this stack re why this is so. PS- I don't like Rush all that much myself, and I don't care what color her skin is, nor her sexual proclivities. Except when it's used to rocket a total non-entity to notoriety, or POTUS.
Oct 16, 2012
That's sweet. It does beg the question tho- Did you maintain that same attitude for George Bush while he was POTUS, or were you able to rationalize that away?
Oct 17, 2012
Not really…….he's just trying to clean up his own!
Oct 17, 2012
He was NEVER in the military, so how can he be such a "great comm-in-chief" He IS a great Pretender-In-Chief, though!
Oct 17, 2012
It's a televised broadcast. It's not a politically podium. When events are sponsored by private ownership, you bet your sweet ass they can censor whatever they want. C'mon, man!
Oct 17, 2012
Why is everyone so up in arms on either side of this issue? Frankly, it's not even an issue. TV Land (a privately owned television outlet) cut a Don Rickles' joke that might cost them rating…aka MONEY! All this BS about black people can't take a joke, and the liberals are suppressing free speech, and all white people are racist, is bullshit! As far as I'm concerned, you all suck for making this into something that's really nothing. Now, I'm going to kick back, and watch some Key & Peele.
Oct 18, 2012
So what's the reason for this story if everyone knows he's being cut, so stupid…………
Oct 19, 2012
Azalee Turner, Have you always been this ignorant or have you just been on a roll since you've brainwashed yourself Barry Soetoro hung the moon and stars?
Oct 23, 2012
WTF! Who are you again people? He is the fucking DON RICKLES, the GOD of Insult Comics. What do they expect? He's been doing that even before slice breads and halo halo.