Oct 25, 2008 10:27 am US/Eastern
Jerry Lewis Makes Another Anti-Gay Slur
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) ―
-
-
Entertainer Jerry Lewis laughs while watching a performer during the 42nd annual Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Sept. 3, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Jerry Lewis made an anti-gay slur on Australian television similar to one he apologized for using on his annual telethon a year ago.
Following a news conference in Sydney Friday, Lewis, 82, was asked by a Network Ten national TV reporter for his opinion on the Australian nation sport of cricket.
"Oh, cricket? It's a f-- game. What are you, nuts?" Lewis replied.
The network broadcast the comment in full on its Friday evening news bulletin along with footage of Lewis handling an imaginary cricket bat with an effeminate gesture.
Lewis apologized in September last year for using a similar anti-gay slur in Las Vegas during his annual Labor Day telethon that raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Lewis was still in Australia on Saturday and has performances booked there through Nov. 1. His Australian spokeswoman Julie Cavanagh said he did not intend to comment.
The comedian held Friday's news conference to promote his latest stage show that is touring Australia. It is a retrospective of his career that includes show tunes with a 24-piece band, excerpts from his scores of movies and television shows, and his trademark slapstick comedy.
U.S.-based Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation spokesman Damon Romine said his organization would examine Lewis' words before commenting.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments