The June 22 "Today" show picked up on NewsBusters contributor and publicist Michael Chapman's post from two days earlier, "Robin Williams Slams Catholic Priests as Pedophiles, Spews Bigotry on NBC Tonight Show."
We've clipped the June 22 set-up piece by reporter David Gregory, as well as Catholic League president Bill Donohue's opening remarks in the discussion segment that followed.
Video (2:48): Real (2.05 MB) or Windows (1.72 MB), plus MP3 audio (810 kB).Here's an excerpt from Chapman's entry:
Actor Robin Williams riffed on Catholic priests as pedophiles on NBC's June 18 Tonight Show with Jay Leno, proving that anti-Catholic bigotry is alive and well and condoned among Hollywood's elite, and apparently among the liberal media as well. Williams essentially smeared all priests, ignoring the fact that 81 percent of the victims in the Catholic Church were males abused by priests and that more than 40 percent of these victims were males aged 11 to 14. The majority of the victims, according to the official reports on the cases, involved people who were past puberty, i.e., young teenagers.
On the show, Williams pretended to play a game where the pedophile is hidden under a cap (hat tip to the Catholic League).
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
}}----> I'm missing something here
June 22, 2007 - 12:39 ET by Cool ArrowWhy is this caveat included?
"ignoring the fact that 81 percent of the victims in the Catholic Church were males abused by priests and that more than 40 percent of these victims were males aged 11 to 14. The majority of the victims, according to the official reports on the cases, involved people who were past puberty, i.e., young teenagers."
Either the kids were vulnerable to these consummate authority figures or they were not.
Williams shouldn't have made the attacks. Let's all agree it's not funny.
Let's also agree the rape of an 11 - 14 year old is equally as disgusting as the rape of a 6 year old.
"ignoring the fact tha
June 22, 2007 - 13:05 ET by motherbeltI agree that sexual abuse of any child or teen, especially by an authority figure, is deplorable. However this:
"ignoring the fact that 81 percent of the victims in the
Catholic Church were males abused by priests
is the elephant in the room: not the fact of the age of the victims (pedophilia or ephebophilia) but the fact that these were homosexual molestations. But we can't talk about that, because it's not PC. So we ignore the gay thing and argue about the age groupings. We are also required to ignore the fact that there is an organization called NAMBLA, which espouses sex with teen and preteen boys and is working to lower the age of consent for sex acts to 12. If they had succeeded already, most of those acts involving the priests wouldn't even be crimes. They would be consensual acts. How would they demonize the priests then? It's a fine line between priest-bashing and homosexual acvocacy they are trying to straddle.....
}}----> Foley's follies
June 22, 2007 - 13:11 ET by Cool ArrowWonder if it was coincidental the age of consent in DC is 16. Congressmen get to be legal chickenhawks. If the age could be dropped to 15, they would immediately invite HS sophomores instead of juniors.
I think the point of the cave
June 22, 2007 - 13:07 ET by MentalrushI think the point of the caveat (from going back and re-reading the original post in full) is that not all the sexual misadventures of the catholic church were pedophilia, as Robin Williams apparently intimated. Instead, the majority were old enough for consent - or that seems to be the point. He wasn't suggesting that molesting 11 year olds was better than 6 year olds or vice versa. I can't swear to it, but there hasn't been any vicims under 11 I'm aware of, thus the seemingly narrow but prescient statistical slice. It's not the best presentation of a point I've seen, and seems worse out here by itself. Staff might wanna beef up the quote.
Yes, I didn't understand at t
June 22, 2007 - 13:12 ET by jpatchYes, I didn't understand at this stories inception why they posted that statistic - it's quite revolting and irrelevant. The point of the story is that if anyone had humiliated and defamed a Muslim imam the way that Robin Williams did to Catholic priests, there would be world-wide riots by Muslims calling for the death of America, and for the death of Robin Williams. We have no ability in this country anymore to stand up for our right to free speech when it comes to talking about radical Islam and it's attempt to destroy any and all civilizations that don't adhere to Sharia Law...and yet it's perfectly acceptable to publically humiliate Catholic priests.
The other point of the story is that we're making a difference on here and that we need to keep it up. Just because the MSM is a fraudulent, traitorous stream of crap, doesn't mean that we're going to turn into the ignorant lemmings that they want us to become. Let's keep bustin'!!!!!
}}----> Anti Muslim bias
June 22, 2007 - 14:03 ET by Cool ArrowThere is an anti Muslim bias, but Williams fears, like most of us, the consequences of voicing it.
We know of the practice of amputating the clitoris at 9 yrs because a girl can't control her urges.
We know Iranian style of Islam (according to the late Ayatollah Khomeini) allows for men to relieve themselves (sexually) between the thighs of a weaned infant girl. Penetration is not allowed.
We know this same sect (according to the late Ayatollah Khomeini) allows for relations with a ewe. Though one is not allowed to kill and eat the ewe afterwards. He can, however, sell the animal in a neighboring village.
Lots of room for comedy in some of these things, but out of fear, Robin Williams won't even start. And these are accepted practices.
Robin
June 22, 2007 - 13:09 ET by the mad poleI was foolish to believe that becoming a father, Robin would clean up his comedy. I thought it would be cool if he was just as funny without the cursing and pelvic thrusts. When can we move past the sophmoric? I do find Larry the Cable Guy hysterical though because he keeps me off balance, his tales have detours that lead to apologizing to starving pygmies .
I agree that Robin could pr
June 22, 2007 - 13:13 ET by motherbeltI agree that Robin could probably be funny without the grunge. But we part ways on Larry the Cable Guy....he's the only one in the Blue Collar Comedy Tour that I really can't stand. Sorry, there's stupid and funny, (Kramer on Seinfeld, IMO), and there's stupid and ignorant. For me, Larry falls into the latter category.
I agree with you on Larry.
June 22, 2007 - 13:17 ET by balboaI agree with you on Larry. Don't get it, don't think it's all that funny.
Robin's riff may have been crude, but some comedy is that way.
larry
June 22, 2007 - 13:20 ET by the mad poleI guess you have to live in Florida with the burgundy necks
burgundy necks are everywhere
June 22, 2007 - 13:22 ET by florida_chadburgundy necks are everywhere - not just in Florida.............
red
June 22, 2007 - 13:25 ET by the mad polered
June 22, 2007 - 13:25 ET by the mad poleYes, but here it's an art form. When I first got hit by fire ants, a bubba told me to pee on my leg to take the sting out. Never did tho
red
June 22, 2007 - 13:26 ET by the mad pole"Burgundy necks".
June 22, 2007 - 13:59 ET by motherbelt"Burgundy necks".....is that a high-class redneck? Like one with a double-wide? LOL
And don't ask "a double-wide what???"!
I think the point is bal, is
June 22, 2007 - 13:25 ET by mikejI think the point is bal, is that there are some groups that are punching bags for the media and Hollywood and then there are some groups that are off limits. If this had been said about any other group, there would be outrage and calls for Robin Williams apology and therapy sessions and he would be blacklisted from Hollywood.
If he said it about gays - he
June 22, 2007 - 13:30 ET by florida_chadIf he said it about gays - he would be saying how sorry he is today. Same with Jews, women, blacks, muslims as these groups are off-limits.
Whites, middle class people, Catholics, conservatives - these are safe group to disparage in Hollywood.
Sure, but if you're gonna h
June 22, 2007 - 13:37 ET by balboaSure, but if you're gonna have priests who screw up, you're gonna have comedians make jokes.
I understand that. But that i
June 22, 2007 - 13:42 ET by florida_chadI understand that. But that isn't the point. He wouldn't say that about the protected groups, or he would be out of work. Like the guy from Grey's Anatomy.
I doubt it. Williams has sa
June 22, 2007 - 13:44 ET by balboaI doubt it. Williams has said plenty of outrageous things in his act over the years.
What he did in the 80's has n
June 22, 2007 - 13:51 ET by florida_chadWhat he did in the 80's has no bearing today. How long has it been since he did a stand up tour. Those were different times. He doesn't like Catholics. I get it. I guess he won't need my cathloic money in the future. I'm sure he'll be OK, but it will make me feel good.
There are LOTS of things in his past his is probably ashamed of. Do you think he would like it to be comedy fodder? What about if the comedy distorted the truth? I really doubt it. But he has no problems taking cheap shots against a group that liberal hollywood doesn't like.
Balboa,You doubt that if Robi
June 22, 2007 - 13:55 ET by jpatchBalboa,
You doubt that if Robin Williams would have made a similarly distasteful series of jokes centering on homosexuals, that there wouldn't have been any kind of backlash? Or, why don't we talk about what's really going on in the world - what if he would have went off on radical imams, and their preachings against "The West," and against "The Infidels?" No backlash? No nothing? Just, "oh hahahaha, there goes Robin again, pushing the envelope..."
Williams has said plenty
June 22, 2007 - 14:02 ET by motherbeltWilliams has said plenty of outrageous things in his act over the years. -balboa
True; he has made his living being outrageous. I think the point florida _chad is making is a general one: that it is OK for comedians to make crude jokes about some groups but not others....speaking strictly in the cultural "politically correct" categories of "what's acceptable" and what's "beyond the pale."
Robin Williams takes it to the edge....but I believe there is a line he will not cross....(the Imam line, for example), that the current culture has imposed.
Motherbelt - can you post for
June 22, 2007 - 14:08 ET by florida_chadMotherbelt - can you post for me in the future? You got exactly what I was trying to say.................................
Thanks
glad to help. LOL
June 22, 2007 - 14:29 ET by motherbeltdelete double
glad to help. ;-)
June 22, 2007 - 14:29 ET by motherbeltglad to help. ;-)
What about crazy Muslims that
June 22, 2007 - 13:43 ET by jpatchWhat about crazy Muslims that blow people up indiscriminately? Aren't we allowed to make fun of them? Because last time I checked, some Danish cartoonists tried to make fun, and we all saw what transpired.
It's a total double-standard, and it's time that we started firing back. In fact, why don't we Christians take to the streets and start rioting, and call for the death of Robin Williams and all others that wish to disrespect the leaders of our faith?
}}----> yes, jpatch
June 22, 2007 - 14:15 ET by Cool ArrowBy all means, you have that right.
But you won't, and it has nothing to do with political correctness. Just start the post and when it's time to hit the "Post" icon you'll see why you won't
Larry totally stole the show
June 22, 2007 - 13:27 ET by Hero SquadLarry totally stole the show as Mater in "Cars." He was born to play a run-down old tow truck.
*****
"I'm sorry, you must have mistaken me for a clown that gives a damn!" - Sticky the Clown
Mater was my kids favorite ch
June 22, 2007 - 13:34 ET by florida_chadMater was my kids favorite character. That was a good movie for the family.
Yep. It lulled the kids to sl
June 22, 2007 - 13:42 ET by Roger the ShrubberYep. It lulled the kids to sleep by halfway through the movie. Lord knows it made me drowsy....
My daughter was a bit distrac
June 22, 2007 - 13:55 ET by Hero SquadMy daughter was a bit distracted midway through the first time she saw it. Once it came out on DVD though, she totally changed her tune. She loves every moment, remembers every minute detail. It's, well... the word Hero Squad was looking for was "creepy."
I always wondered if Sheryl Crow was conflicted about performing a song for a movie about a world where everyone was a car. Man, the global warming in that world must be off the hook!
Al Gorevair must be totally off the deep end in that parallel universe.
*****
"I'm sorry, you must have mistaken me for a clown that gives a damn!" - Sticky the Clown
I don't care who you are, Lar
June 22, 2007 - 13:18 ET by mikejI don't care who you are, Larry the Cable Guy is funny!!
larry
June 22, 2007 - 13:22 ET by the mad poleSex with the teacher, homeschooled..., hyuk
mikej...LOL.........Get 'er D
June 22, 2007 - 13:23 ET by bigtimermikej...
LOL...
......Get 'er Done!
comeon, bt, let's get it ri
June 22, 2007 - 14:32 ET by motherbeltcomeon, bt, let's get it right....it's Git 'er done! LOL
mb...Oops and uh-oh....my bad
June 22, 2007 - 14:37 ET by bigtimermb...
Oops and uh-oh....my bad as they say.
....thank you for corrected that major mishap....
LOL!
How about open season on the
June 22, 2007 - 14:34 ET by drillanwrHow about open season on the teacher's union? I mean, how many stories of teachers, male and female, having sexual contact with their minor charges does it take until Williams makes a joke about them?
I don't have the time or resources to figure this out, but what is the total number of priests ever convicted of such abuses, compared to the total number of teachers guilty of the same thing?
The percentages would be comp
June 22, 2007 - 14:37 ET by florida_chadThe percentages would be comparable
IMO
}}----> critical mass
June 22, 2007 - 14:43 ET by Cool ArrowI think we've reached the point where you'll see jokes on the subject. The comedians probably already have them out there, but the organization teachers belong to does not have a vested interest in defending them.
Now jokes about how tough it is to fire a teacher for failure to succeed in teaching...don't dare go there.
Maybe not Williams, but I'm
June 22, 2007 - 14:46 ET by balboaMaybe not Williams, but I'm sure there have been comedians that have joked about that. In fact, I saw a hilarious comedian last Friday on Comedy Central, Daniel Tosh, that had a joke about it.
Robin Williams as a cleric
June 22, 2007 - 15:15 ET by daveinbocaRobin Williams as a cleric is one reason I hope that junk movie will tank. He is a bundle of received opinions and fixed ideas that parallels Hollyweird's brain-death almost exactly.
A Cnn "REPORTER"
June 22, 2007 - 15:21 ET by daveinbocaA Cnn "REPORTER" named Roberts outted his relationship with a Catholic priest over several nights with all the necessary cooing and sighing of being molested unjustly by a cleric of the cloth.
On a GAWKER type site a week or two later, Roberts was reported to be attending one of those oh-so-chi-chi night spots in Gotham with his BOY FRIEND!
So the question remains, who came onto whom?
I'm sure Roberts hit on the
June 22, 2007 - 15:40 ET by balboaI'm sure Roberts hit on the priest. That's the way it usually happens with youngsters...
Wow, interesting! I never li
June 22, 2007 - 22:25 ET by mostlymoderateWow, interesting! I never thought much of that leader, Donahue; however, I totally agree with him on this point. Catholics are bashed WAAAAYYYY too much. Disgusting. By the way, I LIKE Robin Williams...don't get me wrong. He is not the problem, just an EXAMPLE of the problem. LOTS of comedians and performers make fun of catholics. Most of Robin William's act is harmless.