On the April 6, 2007 episode of the HBO series P. Diddy Presents The Bad Boys of Comedy a comedian entitled Damn Fool was included. Among the bits Fool did in his routine was one about getting arrested for fighting with two gay men. After insulting the men with various words and ways Damn Fool stopping short (ever so shortly) of calling them "fags" -- this of course done to much laughter and applause by TBBOC audience.
The gist of the comedy bit was that Fool was arrested, taken before a judge and when he discovered the sentence (7 to 8 years) for his hate crime claimed he was gay and received 2 weeks for a domestic crime. The physical depiction of Fool's courtroom behavior to prove his gayness was of course as offensive and stereotypical as possible. Again, the audience reacted to Fool with much laughter, foot stomping and applause. After leaving the stage, Fool was shown with P. Diddy who told him how bright a future he had before him. Who knew hate crimes could be so hilarious perhaps P. Diddy or HBO could help the Shepherd family to find the humor?
There is just so much that could be said about this show ... this comedian ... P. Diddy for allowing such hate discrimination to go unchecked. If Don Imus is going to be held to a standard for his words (and believe me I am not defending him) then shouldn't all media?
HBO Consumer Affairs Dept. 1-212-512-1208
Time Warner 1-212-484-8000
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation 1-212-629-3322
