Did Don Rickles Make a Racist Joke about President Obama?
Cort Tafoya | Jun 08, 2012 | Comments 2
(Editor’s note: This post was published on Friday, June 8, with the title, ‘Did Don Rickles Make a Racist Joke about President Obama Tonight?’ Don Rickles performed on Thursday evening, June 7.)
Comedian Don Rickles is 86 years old, and while I personally believe comedians should cross the line whenever they feel like it with an offensive joke, I often wonder why they even bother considering the amount of backlash that’s bound to follow.
During Thursday night’s American Film Institute tribute, Rickles made a joke about President Barack Obama that many people think was racist. According to the The Hollywood Reporter, Rickles said, ”I shouldn’t make fun of the blacks. President Obama is a personal friend of mine. He was over to the house yesterday, but the mop broke.”
While I’m not very familiar with all of Rickles’ act, its being reported that he’s known for mixing in racial humor from time to time.
Rickles went on to insult other well known people in his act that night, including Jack Nicholson, Warren Beaty and Shirley MaClaine.
Tell us what you think below. Is Rickles racist, funny, or a comedian who made a poor attempt at a joke?
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Filed Under: Comedians • Comedy News
How is it possible that you run a website that’s geared towards comedy and not know who Don Rickles is? Tell you what, the next time before you decide to write this article find out who he is, check out his material then you can write all you want. And yes I know who Don Rickles is and I’ve seen him live and he is not a racist (yes I’m black!)Rickles has been doing this for the past 5 decades so it’s time to do your homework Editor in Chief!
The problem is true. You DON’T know anything about Don Rickles. He is the King of Insults and always has been. The younger press and Newhounds should get a life. NO subject matter should be safe with comedians. It’s about time someone takes a swipe at the Democtatic Savior. NOT RACIST … Funny. People should get a life. If it was a racist Kim Kardashian/Basketball player joke the whole world laughs… But thin ice when you talk about Barry.