MTV awards host: Bush is ‘retarded cowboy’
September 8th, 2008From the [UK] Telegraph, Associated Press, Time Magazine, UK Times and elsewhere. Video from the [UK] Telegraph.
British comedian Russell Brand hosted the MTV Video Music Awards last night and received mixed reactions after encouraging the audience to vote for Barack Obama and calling President George Bush a “retarded cowboy.”
Here’s the exact quote, pulled from video of the broadcast (above):
“Some people, some people, I think they’re called racists, say America is not ready for a black president. But I know America to be a forward thinking country, right, because otherwise, you know, would you have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years?”
The awards show had been hyped as a comeback appearance for Britney Spears, but the [UK] Times reported that she and Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus appeared “horrified” during Brand’s quip about Bush. Brand also joked about chastity vows taken by the Jonas Brothers, a hot young rock band.
Commenters to the MTV site criticized Brand’s insertion of political themes into an entertainment event, but few challenged his use of language. Comments can be seen here. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page.)
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September 9th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Well, if we are going to protest Tropic Thunder and everything the actors did, then we should ban the VMA’s, MTV and all the artists that performed/presented.
I myself work with DD adults, they thought the movie was great, I almost fell asleep after 30 minues into it.
How about this concept….if you know it’s going to be offensive then change the channel or don’t watch/listen to it!
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that’s clear-
I will choose Free Will.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Hello,
This is just being found as offensive because it is true.
Respectfully,
T.K.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:08 am
I’m glad to see that the guests looked horrified.
September 8th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Well, I think I may have misread you. Where I feel that you may have taken more offense at the work of Ben Stiller recently than was called for, the fact that you show a similar level of disdain for this *host* at least shows that you are consistent in your outrage.
This is a position that, even if I were to completely disagree with you (which I do not), I could respect. I tip my hat to you; you are a champion of the rights of those that need a voice. And I commend you for it.