Chris Rock Defends Tracy Morgan; First Amendment Matter?

[TeaBagsAreForCups]

30 Rock Co-Stars, NBC React To Tracy Morgan Controversy

Fellow 30 Rock star Tina Fey expressed her disapproval of Tracy Morgan's now infamous homophobic rant, which she called "disturbing." She also comes to his defense saying that he is not hateful. In his apology yesterday, Morgan also stressed that he was not "hateful." Her statement to TMZ:

- SNIP -
See: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1274031

Another 30 Rock co-star, Alec Baldwin, reacted to the controversy. He tweeted: "No one's making excuses for Tracy."

Openly gay NBC Chairman Bob Greenblatt issued this statement:

"I speak for NBC and myself personally when I say we do not condone hate or violence of any kind and I am pleased to see Tracy Morgan apologizing for recent homophobic remarks in his standup appearance. We will always recognize an artist's freedom to express him or herself, but not when reckless things are said no matter what the context. Unfortunately, Tracy's comments reflect negatively on both "30 Rock" and NBC - two very all-inclusive and diverse organizations - and we have made it clear to him that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated."

Entertainment Weekly reports that fellow comic Chris Rock defended Morgan's rant: “I dont know about you, but I dont want to live in world where Tracy Morgan cant say foul inappropriate s—.” GLAAD tweeted back: “Language about stabbing kids for being gay isn’t ‘foul.’ It’s dangerous.”

The Human Rights Campaign believes Morgan should do more than just apology: “Tracy Morgan exercised extremely poor judgment and he did the right thing by apologizing. But that’s just not enough. He’s a role model and Morgan now has a responsibility to make amends for his horribly hurtful and dangerous ‘comedy’ routine. He also needs to go further than his apology and correct the record: no one should feel ashamed because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and they should definitely not become a victim of violence. Words have consequences and Morgan should be held to a higher standard. Until he does something meaningful, his brand will remain tarnished.”

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/06/tina-fey.html

Chris Rock defends Tracy Morgan
by James Hibberd

Chris Rock tweeted a defense of embattled fellow comic Tracy Morgan on Friday, prompting GLAAD to fire back. Rock, who’s known to push the envelope during his stand-up routines, said of Morgan’s anti-gay jokes:

“I dont know about you, but I dont want to live in world where Tracy Morgan cant say foul inappropriate s—”

Replied GLAAD: “Language about stabbing kids for being gay isn’t ‘foul.’ It’s dangerous.”

Earlier, NBC’s top programming executive Bob Greenblatt and Morgan’s 30 Rock co-star Tina Fey issued statements about Morgan’s routine, which he has apologized for.
Previous Post Tina Fey and NBC chief denounce Tracy Morgan's homophobic rant

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/11/chris-rock-defends-tracy-morgan/

Background:
Tracy Morgan. Vile Homophobe.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1268137

Tracy Morgan Attempts to Save His "Career"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1270813

SNAP! .. Tina Fey to Tracy Morgan
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1274031

[Warpy]

1. Oh, shoot, she can't be jailed for saying that shit

but there are real world consequences for hate speech, especially in an industry that has a high percentage of its targets.

"Free speech" means the government doesn't get involved when some hate filled moron insists on saying stupid things. That doesn't mean private citizens don't get involved and that people whose careers are based on popularity won't feel those careers take a dive.

Chris Rock is a smart guy who says inappropriate shit all the time. He needs to understand the difference between government involvement and censuring by private individuals.

[bullwinkle428]

2. First Amendment?? C'mon, Chris...I thought you were smarter than Carrie Prejean.

[ConcernedConsumer]

3. @ everyone, really

Did Chris Rock actually say anything about the First Amendment?