Jay Leno apologized to make this racist joke about Asians repeatedly
After years of criticism, the comedian recognizes his "legitimate bad".
After years of criticism,Jay Leno Excused for his earlier racist jokes on the Asian community. During a recent conversation with the Media Action Network for Asian Americans (Manaa), the 70-year-old comedian acknowledged the "poorly legitimate that has been done On [SA] part "by making a particular joke again and again Asians. The excuses arrived after years of pressure from Manaa and other organizations, explains the press release. Leno was contacted an offensive joke in 2002 and Manaa said they had tried to reach him several times since.
Read it to see what Leno finally had to say. And for another comedian who has recently been excused for an insensitive joke, checkSarah Silverman apologized in Paris Hilton for this old offensive joke.
Leno had made jokes about Asians eating dogs or cats for decades.
Manaa explains that Leno made jokes repeatedly on Korean and Chinese people eating dogs or cats onThe show tonight, that he hosted from 1992 to 2014, andallegedly onAmerica has talent on which he was guests as invited in 2019.
As mentioned by Manaa and previously reported by CBS News,Karen Narasaki From the Asian American Media Coalition PacificContacted Leno after a joke in 2002, and he defended himself by saying that some Koreans eats dogs. Narasaki then said, "Well, is it also true that some African Americans eat chicken and watellum friend?" Which Leno has confirmed that it does not joke.
"There is nothing wrong with eating with someone to eat fried chicken or watermelon, but Leno would never make a joke about African Americans who eat these foods simply because they are stereotypes that offended The Black Community ", Founding President of ManaaGuy Aoki explained in the press release. "However, by incorrectly reversing that most Koreans or Chinese regularly eats" the friend "of man" is worse because he encouragesRacial hatred towards Asian AmericansAs most people do not distinguish Asian nationals and Asian Americans. "
NBC had previously defended Leno.
In 2002, Leno made a joke about South Korean Olympic skaterKim Dong-Sung Eat dog meat. That much,NBC has published a declaration defended LENO, saying, "People have different opinions on where the lines must be drawn."
The Manaa Declaration explains that Leno's jokes would periodically stop after talking about the NBC's criticism or the Diversity Senior Vice President, but that they came back. In 2019, actor andAmerica has talent judgeGabrielle union asserted thatLeno made a joke about Koreans eating dog meat In front of her.
Read About Another Offensant Previously Talk Show withThis interview with Resurfaça Oprah with Mary-Kate and Ashley has livid fans.
Leno said at the time he "really thought" jokes] to be harmless. "
Manaa says they could have a conversation with Leno after saying that they "go after" advertisers of his new fox game gameYou bet your life. And when Leno had his discussion with Aoki, he apologized.
"At the time, I made these jokes, I really thought they were harmless," he said, according to the press release. "I mocked my North Korea enemy and I like most jokes, there was a truth ring for them. At the time, there was an attitude that prevailed that some groups still complained about something , so do not worry about that. Every time we received a complaint, there would be two sides to the discussion: either "we must deal with that" or "the screws" if they can not take a joke . Too often, I left with the latter even when in my heart, I knew it was wrong. That's why I publish these excuses. "
He now recognizes that it was "a legitimate evil" on his part.
Leno noted in his apologies that he does not look like his situation is part of "Culture Cancel", but he took responsibility for something he has done wrong.
"I do not consider that this particular case to be another example of canceling culture, but a legitimate problem that has been done on my part," he said. "Manaa was very gracious to accept my apologies. I hope the Asian American community will be able to accept it too, and I hope I can meet their expectations in the future."
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Leno said he would be "deeply injured and shame" to learn his words helped to encourage violence against the Asian community.
Manaa meant clearly to Leno that his jokes can be directly harmful for Asian people. This past year has shownAn increase in the number of hateful incidents against Asians, including the most recentTurning in Atlanta. Aoki notes that the stereotypes like those of Leno have promoted are a problem because the criminals "see an Asian face and instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt they could have things in common, they see them only as foreigners to who they attach negative stereotypes, and attack them. "
"I was shocked and saddened with what's going on with my fellow citizens in the Asian community," said Leno. "I would be deeply injured and shame if my words did something to encourage this violence. With the help of Manaa, I would like to do what I can to help the healing process."
Manaa now says that it accepts the excuses of Leno and will continue to work with him, including helping to find an Asian American guest for his showJay Leno Garage.
For a famous member of the Asian-American community speaking against hatred, read"Lost" star Daniel Dae Kim says his sister was a victim of a hate crime.
