Bernhard upset after being cut from Boston benefit

Bernhard upset after being cut from Boston benefit
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3 days ago
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BOSTON (AP) — Comedian Sandra Bernhard says the decision by a women's shelter to cut her act from its annual benefit was based on a misleading account of what she said about Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
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Bernhard made the remarks last month during her one-woman show in Washington before Palin visited New York to campaign. The 53-year-old comedian said Palin would be "gang-raped by my big black brothers" during a diatribe in which she also criticized Palin for opposing abortion rights.
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Rosie's Place, a Boston shelter, announced Wednesday that Bernhard would not take part in its Oct. 16 luncheon, "Funny Women ... Serious Business."
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Many women at the shelter have been victims of violence, said public relations director Leemarie Mosca.
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"In light of our mission, we don't think violence against women is a laughing matter," she said.
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Bernhard said she's "terribly upset" that the shelter cut her act from its annual benefit.
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In a statement Wednesday, Bernhard said the decision by Rosie's Place was based on a misleading account of what she said, and her words were taken out of context.
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She said the gang rape comment was part of a larger piece from her one-woman show about "women, racism, freedom and the extreme views of Gov. Sarah Palin."
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"In no way am I making any sort of joke about crimes against women — quite the contrary. I'm speaking out about someone who doesn't do enough to protect women," Bernhard said. "I think if you look at the real issues I'm addressing, my intent becomes clear. I am a die-hard advocate for women's rights, and fully support the work of Rosie's Place."
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Mosca said the shelter expected to book a replacement.
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"Right now, our main focus is our event and making sure the event is a success," Mosca said. "And for us, that means not including Sandra Bernhard at this time."
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Article Link [article no longer available]
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Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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. Bernhard upset after being cut from Boston benefit
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. Bernhard upset after being cut from Benefit
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I read this article originally in my local paper:
The Pottstown Mercury
http://www.pottsmerc.com/
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I totally agree with the decision of Rosie's Place to uninvite Sandra Bernhard. I am a survivor of domestic violence, and do not at all appreciate Bernhard's comments.
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Sandra Bernhard is rationalizing her view. Governor Palin does not deserve harrassment for her conservative view - which I do not view as extreme.
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What Bernhard, and other's like her with this view, do not seem to want or care to understand that MANY women agree with Governor Palin.
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Bernhard is not getting it - in how what she said - and it is not funny - concerning ANY WOMAN. It doesn't matter if they agree with her or not. EVERY woman's view should be viewed with dignity and respect.
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Many women actually disagree on the issue concerning 'choice'.
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My view is that a person's right to choose and be independent ENDS at the expense, negation, oppression or ending of the life of another person - especially not due simply to inconvenience.
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No person should be negated such as this.
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Governor Palin is a decent, American woman. She is married, has a family, and is involved in public service. She represents heartland America -
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UNLIKE Bernhard I find.
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I applaud Rosie's Place for making the tough, un-pc, and right decision - and walking the walk - and not kowtowing to these media/celebrity types that believe they can say and do whatever they like and not take responsibility for who it might hurt and grieve!
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In the U.S.A they have the right to spew things such as this.
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Other people also have the right to also make the decision to not like it or support it.
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Violence against women should not be tolerated in any forum - including supposed 'humor' cloaked hatefulness. Bernhard's comments in her show are not misleading at all.
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Sarah Bernhard has been on my boycott list for awhile now, after I saw her on a regular late night TV show (I don't remember the event now) - quite a few years ago - which I turned off in disgust - being unacceptably lascivious - dancing making obscene motions - with guest artist Tom Jones. I was appalled.
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I see she hasn't changed.
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- Updated 06.05.09