What lesson has been learned from Michael “Kramer” Richard’s pro-lynching rant? That tossing around racial slurs in a comedy club is a surefire way for a faded TV comedian to generate some publicity. Andy Dick, formerly of NewsRadio, dropped the n-word during another comedian’s routine on Saturday.The appropriately-named Dick was heckling the comedian when he grabbed the mic and yelled “You’re all a bunch of n-----s!” Nobody laughed, or caught it on tape for that matter. But to make sure that everyone knew he felt bad, he issued a predictable apology. "I chose to make a joke about a subject that is not funny," read his statement. "In an attempt to make light of a serious subject, I have offended a lot of people, and I am sorry for my insensitivity.”
What he should be sorry for is his shallow attempt to cash in on the Richards controversy. Look, I’m outrageous too! It makes me look back fondly on the practice of washed-up stars making sex tapes – but don’t get any ideas, Andy.
Though not in the same category, the former Mr. Britney Spears, is continuing to garner media attention by turning his impending divorce and potentially divisive custody battle into a reality show. When Kevin Federline loses his wife, home, kids, he turns on the cameras so everyone can watch him implode. As long as people are talking, right Kev?
While Federline is attempting to wring the last drips of publicity out of his extended 15 minutes of fame, another celebrity couple has pulled the plug on their tabloid-friendly relationship. With the DVD release of The Break-Up well behind them, Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn parted company in the traditional fashion – a statement to People. The two got together on the set of The Break-Up, which garnered acres of press and likely helped propel the box office over the $100 million mark.I can’t prove that Vaughniston was solely a studio/agent creation meant to drum up ticket sales for a middling film, but consider these are two people who are paid exceedingly well to act like they are in a relationship. How hard would it be to extend that to a few well-chosen public events if it meant more exposure for the film and more money on the backend for the aforementioned actors? I wouldn’t put it past Aniston, who has often used her breasts to garner attention for her career – either on magazine covers or sunning topless for the paparazzi. So what’s a couple of public smooches if it means a few million dollars?
I have to agree with you on the Aniston Vaughn relationship. It just seemed a little too convenient that they're both crowd favourites who 'happen' to fall in love on set.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think the only thing worse than someone making an ass out of themselves is by cashing in on someone who made an ass out of himself. I know Andy Dick's career hasn't really been the same since NewsRadio, but this just reeks of utter desperation.....
ReplyDeleteI really couldn't give two shits if Andy Dick or Kramer is a racist or not. Just because someone is famous we care. What about the other 30,000,000 people in the U.S. using the N-word every day.
ReplyDeleteI simply cannot fathom how Andy Dick continues to get work. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how many people have been surprised to find Andy Dick is still alive. Wishful thinking I suppose. The bizarre thing about Dick's "comedy" was that it wasn't even his show - he was heckling from the audience.
ReplyDeleteBig Ben - I don't know if we care or not, but they are given a media platform so what they have to say has more impact than the regular idiot. For better or worse.