LOS ANGELES - The controversy surrounding Michael Richards’ racist rant continues to swirl.

On Wednesday, Access Hollywood learned the former “Seinfeld” star reached out to civil rights leaders Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton in another attempt to apologize for his behavior.

However, the targets of his rage — Kyle Doss and Frank McBride — have also reached out to someone — tenacious lawyer Gloria Allred.

Access Hollywood’s Tim Vincent sat down with Doss and McBride to find out why.

“I’m not trying to make this a black and white thing,” Doss told Tim. “I have lots of mixed friends. It’s a people thing.”

Doss and McBride were both part of a mixed group of friends at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood when they walked in late and were hurt by Richards’ shocking racial rant, which was all captured on videotape.

“I just told him ‘Hey, my friend doesn’t think you’re funny’ and after that happened, he turned around and looked at me and flipped me off and told me ‘F-you n-word,’” Doss said.

“He threw out racial slurs repeatedly. There was nothing professional about his act at all,” McBride told Access.

“He was saying when he wakes up he’ll still be rich and when I wake up I’m still going to be an n-word,” Doss added.

On Tuesday, Richards appeared on David Letterman to apologize for his remarks.

“He’s apologized. Shouldn’t that really be the end of it?” Tim asked the men.

“No, I think that apology was totally fake, it was forced. I feel like that was a career move. It wasn’t sincere,” Doss contends.

“What do you want to get out of this situation?” Tim asked.

“To be compensated for what happened,” Doss replied.

Our interview with Doss and McBride was granted on one condition — that we also interview their high-profile attorney, Gloria Allred.

Allred is no stranger to controversy having taken on Michael Jackson, O.J. Simpson and Scott Peterson, just to name a few.

“It is not enough to go on television and say ‘I’m sorry,’” Allred said. “We are issuing a challenge to Michael Richards.”

That challenge would require Richards to meet face-to-face with Doss and McBride in front of a judge. So far, no lawsuit has been filed.

“We want the retired judge to make a recommendation on how much Michael Richards should pay to compensate our clients,” added Allred.

And if Richards refuses?

“Then he will have to bear the consequences of whatever comes next,” she said.

Meanwhile, many of Richards’ fellow comedians have already sounded off on the incident.

Comic Paul Rodriguez, who was at the club, said he thought Richards’ remarks crossed the line.

“Once the word comes out of your mouth and you don’t happen to be African-American, then you have a whole lot of explaining,” he said. “Freedom of speech has its limitations and I think Michael Richards found those limitations.”

Access Hollywood spoke with Jamie Foxx at the American Music Awards to get his take on the incident.

The Oscar-winner said Richards was way out of line and Foxx is taking the side of the hecklers.

“I’m a stand-up comic to the core. But if I am going through something, release it on the stage. But don’t dump on nobody and especially not on black people because I don’t know what kind of black folks those was, but if it would have been me and my sister and my crew, they’d still be filming right now,” Foxx said.

Why am I not surprised.

Why am I not surprised.


I am sure those two guys were not offended, but rather hearing "Cha Ching" sounds in their heads.

I am sure those two guys were not offended, but rather hearing "Cha Ching" sounds in their heads.
Yep.

I am sure those two guys were not offended, but rather hearing "Cha Ching" sounds in their heads.
It was expected, but they have every right to file a lawsuit; what he did was verbally abusive. No amount of money really could make up for what he said, but really it's the least he could do imo. And just because they're filing a lawsuit doesnt mean they were not offended, why wouldnt they be? That's the reason they're filing the lawsuit...

It was expected, but they have every right to file a lawsuit; what he did was verbally abusive. No amount of money really could make up for what he said, but really it's the least he could do imo. And just because they're filing a lawsuit doesnt mean they were not offended, why wouldnt they be? That's the reason they're filing the lawsuit...

The reality is, money. Try to get something out of it, which is bull****. They aren't physically injured, they weren't punched or kicked. It is a frivilous lawsuit.

Micheal Richards is an idiot and deserves most of what he is getting. BUT I don't see why this should be a lawsuit. This is where the freedom of speech comes in. Although Richards has the right to say any dip s**t thing he wants, and people can reply to him with all the words they want, he should not be sued for speaking his racist mind. I will say it again before anyone calls me racist Richards is a backwards racist and I do not agree with anything he said. I do understand you don't have the right to say fire in a crowed theater because it could cause somebody to get trampled. The men are pissed, as they should be, but they were not physically harmed.

The reality is, money. Try to get something out of it, which is bull****. They aren't physically injured, they weren't punched or kicked. It is a frivilous lawsuit.
I totally agree. A lawsuit for getting offended. I guess that's the American way anymore. :ohno:

The reality is, money. Try to get something out of it, which is bull****. They aren't physically injured, they weren't punched or kicked. It is a frivilous lawsuit.
Physical injury is not the only type of harrassment that warrants a lawsuit. At the time they were getting told they were nothing but ******s who should get a fork stuck in them and lynched, yup, I'm pretty sure they werent offended and were only thinking about money...

Physical injury is not the only type of harrassment that warrants a lawsuit. At the time they were getting told they were nothing but ******s who should get a fork stuck in them and lynched, yup, I'm pretty sure they werent offended and were only thinking about money...


Did they go to a hospital? Do they need intense physical therapy? Do they need any kind of medical attention whatsoever? They may have been embarrassed at first, but dollar signs are all they are thinking about now. Last I checked, embarassment isn't grounds for a lawsuit.

Did they go to a hospital? Do they need intense physical therapy? Do they need any kind of medical attention whatsoever? They may have been embarrassed at first, but dollar signs are all they are thinking about now. Last I checked, embarassment isn't grounds for a lawsuit.
Maybe I need to say it again: physical injury is not the only abuse that can happen, nor is it the only kind of abuse that warrants a lawsuit. Not only did he call them a ****** a bunch of times, but he threatened them as well. Go back and watch the video yourself. He was violently talking about sticking a fork in them and lynching/hanging them, which is verbal abuse no matter who you are, and especially since it's a common event against people of your heritage in recent history. I doubt you're black and know what it's like to be called that, but I have been in the presence where it was hurled at a family that I use to stay with a lot when I was a lot younger...it's not the sort of thing that most black people just shrug off when you consider the history of it, especially said in that way. Its not the same as if he were calling them bald or fat. Fat people can change being fat, and there's no history of killing/chopping off of body-parts, and discrimination against fat people. They have every right to sue him, and they probably will need some sort of psychological counseling after having such violent words and threats thrown at them.

They have every right to sue him, and they probably will need some sort of psychological counseling after having such violent words and threats thrown at them.


:lol: That's funny. Seriously though, if a comedian called me a spic, and threatened me, I am a grown ass man and can handle myself. I might be initially offended, but frivilous lawsuits like this are for punks.

:lol: That's funny. Seriously though, if a comedian called me a spic, and threatened me, I am a grown ass man and can handle myself. I might be initially offended, but frivilous lawsuits like this are for punks.
Spic doesnt have the same history as the word ******. Look at that, it's not even censored, dont you wonder why. And if someone at a comedy club is doing stand up and singles you out and calls you a spic and makes threats of wanting to lynching you, I find you sitting there and taking it sort of sad...but I guess not surprising....

I agree wholeheartedly that Richards was WAY out of line with using the N word; there's simply no excuse for ANYONE to be using that word. Period. As a black man, I havent been able to forgive the man for what he's done. But IMO there's just no need for a freaking lawsuit... I hope they get nothing from this.

I wonder if some no name comic who is making a few bucks a show (and not multi millionaire Michael Richards) went off on these hecklers and called them the N word, would these guys sue?

;)

I am not black but I find the "N" word offensive, Can I sue Chris Rock because he uses it in his act all the time. Can blondes sue because of all the blonde jokes? Where do we draw the line on frivolous lawsuits?

I am not black but I find the "N" word offensive, Can I sue Chris Rock because he uses it in his act all the time. Can blondes sue because of all the blonde jokes? Where do we draw the line on frivolous lawsuits?

exactly! :yeahthat:

Spic doesnt have the same history as the word ******. Look at that, it's not even censored, dont you wonder why. And if someone at a comedy club is doing stand up and singles you out and calls you a spic and makes threats of wanting to lynching you, I find you sitting there and taking it sort of sad...but I guess not surprising....


The history doesn't matter, it is still a racist word. Where do we draw the line? People like yourself who are ready to sue for every little thing is what is sad. It is people like that who are what's wrong with this country. Keep in mind, I am not defending Richards for what he said, but he doesn't need to be sued for it either.

The only laughs Richards will get out of this mess is when the Judge laughs this case out of court.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/8/8d/180px-JackieChiles.jpg

"That tirade was nefarious, negligent and salacious. Damn straight we got a case!"

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/8/8d/180px-JackieChiles.jpg

"That tirade was nefarious, negligent and salacious. Damn straight we got a case!"

:lol:

absolute asinine!

they sue because they were called N****ERS?

HOW are they harmed by that?

totally stupid lawsuit!

I am sure those two guys were not offended, but rather hearing "Cha Ching" sounds in their heads.

That sounds about right. I am not surprised by this at all.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/8/8d/180px-JackieChiles.jpg

"That tirade was nefarious, negligent and salacious. Damn straight we got a case!"


Good stuff!:lol:

The history doesn't matter, it is still a racist word. Where do we draw the line? People like yourself who are ready to sue for every little thing is what is sad. It is people like that who are what's wrong with this country. Keep in mind, I am not defending Richards for what he said, but he doesn't need to be sued for it either.
Like I said, it's not only the fact that they were called "the n word," but the man made violent threats at them and there was the potential for violence in the way he was talking to them, especially if there were people receptive to that thinking there. I'm willing to bet that they do win money out of this, and they have every right to get paid after being not only demeaned but violently threatened. The power of words is just as strong as physical harm, believe it. And yes, the history of the word does matter, some words are stronger than others and are more harmful. Hispanics have not been hanged in recent history over the word spic, like black people have been over the word ******. No, I should not be able to sue someone over a blonde joke. But that's very different; no one's saying if he made a black joke that was offensive to them they should sue, Im sure you make them all the time. But they were directly SINGLED OUT, THREATENED, AND DEFAMED. It's sad if you think there should be no consequence for that. And everyone should really stop judging the victims here, none of you have any idea what you would do if you were in their shoes, and it's oh so easy to sit back and say what you would do or would not do, but you have no idea how these men feel or even the psychological counseling they may have to endure from the things that man said.

Like I said, it's not only the fact that they were called "the n word," but the man made violent threats at them and there was the potential for violence in the way he was talking to them. I'm willing to bet that they do win money out of this, and they have every right to get paid after being not only demeaned but violently threatened. The power of words is just as strong as physical harm, believe. No, I should not be able to sue someone over a blonde joke. But that's very different; no one's saying if he made a black joke that was offensive to them they should sue, Im sure you make them all the time. But they were directly SINGLED OUT, THREATENED, AND DEFAMED. It's sad if you think there should be no consequence for that. And everyone should really stop judging the victims here, none of you have any idea what you would do if you were in their shoes, and it's oh so easy to sit back and say what you would do or would not do, but you have no idea how these men feel or even the psychological counseling they may have to endure from the things that man said.


Oh, I can almost bet that they will get money, but the problem is they don't deserve it. Let's not make this as some sort of violent attack and they are now scarred from the ordeal because that is BS. I guess Michael Richards could turn around and sue them for heckling him. I am sure he was scarred by people telling him he wasn't funny. I mean, where does it end?

Oh my Lord. Get OVER it. It's not like he actually plucked them out of the audience, started beating them and made them pick cotton. It's a word for crying out loud. They have the right to be offended but this is rediculous.

Oh, I can almost bet that they will get money, but the problem is they don't deserve it. Let's not make this as some sort of violent attack and they are now scarred from the ordeal because that is BS. I guess Michael Richards could turn around and sue them for heckling him. I am sure he was scarred by people telling him he wasn't funny. I mean, where does it end?
How do you know they aren't scarred? Are you a mind-reader? You know the motives and feelings of the victims now? Telling someone who isn't funny that they aren't funny is on a little bit of a smaller scale, as using racial slurs and saying he wishes to see them hanging from trees like whites use to do to blacks years ago. The fact that you even attempted to equate them is really sad. And honestly, the ignorance of some people is sad, but not surprising. If you're not black or part black or have much history of being around people of mostly black descent, I doubt the N word has the same offensive meaning as the black people it's been used on, themself. People saying "it's just a word, get over it" obviously do not know how deeply painful it is to the people it's been used against. Only about 40 years ago were black people even allowed to vote in much of the country, because they weren't considered citizens. Public discrimination/racism is over pretty much, but don't think the long-lasting effects of it are gone...

How do you know they aren't scarred? Are you a mind-reader? You know the motives and feelings of the victims now? Telling someone who isn't funny that they aren't funny is on a little bit of a smaller scale, as using racial slurs and saying he wishes to see them hanging from trees like whites use to do to blacks years ago. The fact that you even attempted to equate them is really sad. And honestly, the ignorance of some people is sad, but not surprising. If you're not black or part black or have much history of being around people of mostly black descent, I doubt the N word has the same offensive meaning as the black people it's been used on, themself. People saying "it's just a word, get over it" obviously do not know how deeply painful it is to the people it's been used against. Only about 40 years ago were black people even allowed to vote in much of the country, because they weren't considered citizens. Public discrimination/racism is over pretty much, but don't think the long-lasting effects of it are gone...

I am offended by what you said, I am going to sue. You don't know who my friends are. You don't know if I have hung around blacks. Maybe, those two will read this message board and sue me for slander as well. It is ridiculous and nobody is going to convince me this is NOT about money.

I am offended by what you said, I am going to sue. You don't know who my friends are. You don't know if I have hung around blacks. Maybe, those two will read this message board and sue me for slander as well. It is ridiculous and nobody is going to convince me this is NOT about money.
You really don't get it do you? It's not just about them getting offended at the n word, even though I will always hold the position that the n word is probably the most offensive word to call anyone and goes far beyond other offensive words. He made threats at them. You better believe if I am ever publically threatened by anyone and defamed, famous or not, I will sue for defamation....and in saying that I also want to say this again...he did not stop with just an offensive term, where it never should have started, but he went on to verbally defame them by using events in recent history such as lynching, saying he wanted them lynched, which crossed the line beyond just offensive language.

You really don't get it do you? It's not just about them getting offended at the n word, even though I will always hold the position that the n word is probably the most offensive word to call anyone and goes far beyond other offensive words. He made threats at them. You better believe if I am ever publically threatened by anyone and defamed, famous or not, I will sue for defamation....and in saying that I also want to say this again...he did not stop with just an offensive term, where it never should have started, but he went on to verbally defame them by using events in recent history such as lynching, saying he wanted them lynched, which crossed the line beyond just offensive language.


That is still not reason enough to sue for money.

That is still not reason enough to sue for money.
So what type of harm besides the physical is reason to sue someone?

So what type of harm besides the physical is reason to sue someone?

There is none. Money from lawsuits like rape and assault are needed to pay for therapy and doctors....not because somebody called you a name.

There is none. Money from lawsuits like rape and assault are needed to pay for therapy and doctors....not because somebody called you a name.
Yes, because physical abuse is the only type of abuse that a wife can suffer from her husband. Physical abuse is the only type of abuse that a child can suffer from their parents. Physical abuse is the only type of abuse that can affect a person for the rest of their life and leave long time damage, right? You really have no idea...

Yes, because physical abuse is the only type of abuse that a wife can suffer from her husband. Physical abuse is the only type of abuse that a child can suffer from their parents. Physical abuse is the only type of abuse that can affect a person for the rest of their life and leave long time damage, right? You really have no idea...


Please don't compare that with what Michael Richards did. That is having no idea.

They can't sue for defamation. They have to prove they were "damaged" in some way shape or form in the following examples:

An intentional false communication either published or publicly spoken that injures another's reputation or good name. Holding up a person to ridicule, scorn or contempt.

There is more to the definition but that is mostly what defamation is. The problem with people who want to claim there is a lawsuit, is they don't know the first thing they want to sue for. There are those that will say those guys were harassed. Ok, they were harassed, who hasn't been? That is not grounds for suing and that is NOT DEFAMATION what Richards did. I don't condone what he did, but that is not defamation.

Defamation, let me give you an example. I gave this on another thread. Let's say that Richards publicly announced those two gentlemen had AIDS and they acquired it through drug use. That is grounds for a lawsuit, because it would be false that they had a disease and two, they don't do drugs. Also, they would have to prove that the words Richard used, harmed them in their public and private lives. None of that occurred.

People are so lawsuit happy they don't even know the first thing abt what they are suing for.

People are so lawsuit happy they don't even know the first thing abt what they are suing for.

PREACH IT SISTER!!! :lol:

Please don't compare that with what Michael Richards did. That is having no idea.
Well, you said on this very thread earlier that physical abuse is the only type of abuse that warrants suing, because it requires payment to doctors. So, basically either a wife who has been emotionally abused by her husband should not be able to sue him, or what you just said was not true.

Thanks Irene. I knew your legal expertise would come in very handy. :)

Thanks Irene. I knew your legal expertise would come in very handy. :)
Thank you Janice. :wave:

I hate what Richards did, but I also hate the fact that America has become "sue happy" bunch of people. It's all abt money. I believe we all have the right to sue, WHEN WARRANTED.

There is none. Money from lawsuits like rape and assault are needed to pay for therapy and doctors....not because somebody called you a name.
AND, if they have to go to therapy for psychological counseling, doesn't that warrant them to sue him by your own definiton?

AND, if they have to go to therapy for psychological counseling, doesn't that warrant them to sue him by your own definiton?


For what? Being called a few names by a bad comedian?

For what? Being called a few names by a bad comedian?
A few bad names? That's really all you really consider or think of it? Wow...that's...sad...again though, not really surprising. But no. For being told he would want to stick a fork up their ass. With them hanging upside down, lynched.

http://www.scpronet.com/point/images/lynched.jpg

Just like the picture :-) Oh what COMEDY!! LOLZ.

Did he have a rope in his hand? Did he have a fork? Did he climb up to the balcony? Show all the pictures you want, it was a name. Nothing more. Was he wrong? Yes, but sued? NO!

A few bad names? That's really all you really consider or think of it? Wow...that's...sad...again though, not really surprising. But no. For being told he would want to stick a fork up their ass. With them hanging upside down, lynched.

http://www.scpronet.com/point/images/lynched.jpg

Just like the picture :-) Oh what COMEDY!! LOLZ.
It is disgraceful what Richards did. No one is denouncing that behavior. The topic is whether these two men warrant any monetary "gain" for someone's stupidity, which was a done vocally. Was there imminent danger? No. Was Richards threatening them? No. Was there a chance that Richards would go through with the violence that he described? No. Now, if a group of people outside the club had decided to follow through on "hanging them up" and so forth, could Richards be liable? Maybe. However, in a legal sense, it was only words. I believe that is what Brian is trying to state. Yes, they were ugly words, it was horrific what he said, but from a legal standpoint, there is nothing that should warrant Richards to have to pay these guys. It would be nice that he should have to, it may take a "hit in the pocketbook" to get Richards to fully understand he was wrong.

It is disgraceful what Richards did. No one is denouncing that behavior. The topic is whether these two men warrant any monetary "gain" for someone's stupidity, which was a done vocally. Was there imminent danger? No. Was Richards threatening them? No. Was there a chance that Richards would go through with the violence that he described? No. Now, if a group of people outside the club had decided to follow through on "hanging them up" and so forth, could Richards be liable? Maybe. However, in a legal sense, it was only words. I believe that is what Brian is trying to state. Yes, they were ugly words, it was horrific what he said, but from a legal standpoint, there is nothing that should warrant Richards to have to pay these guys. It would be nice that he should have to, it may take a "hit in the pocketbook" to get Richards to fully understand he was wrong.
I think he's going to get hit in the pocketbook anyway. I really believe this is going to hurt his career.

It is disgraceful what Richards did. No one is denouncing that behavior. The topic is whether these two men warrant any monetary "gain" for someone's stupidity, which was a done vocally. Was there imminent danger? No. Was Richards threatening them? No. Was there a chance that Richards would go through with the violence that he described? No. Now, if a group of people outside the club had decided to follow through on "hanging them up" and so forth, could Richards be liable? Maybe. However, in a legal sense, it was only words. I believe that is what Brian is trying to state. Yes, they were ugly words, it was horrific what he said, but from a legal standpoint, there is nothing that should warrant Richards to have to pay these guys. It would be nice that he should have to, it may take a "hit in the pocketbook" to get Richards to fully understand he was wrong.
There could have been imminent danger, if that was the kind of audience. Luckily it was not, even though while Michael was going on calling the men ******s and talking about lynching, you can hear some people laughing at it...but the way he was talking, he acted as if he was trying to incite the audience to do something by telling the to look at the "******" and then go on about how they should be lynched. Maybe they are thinking about money now, but think about it. If you were black and just told that you should be stuck with a knife up your ass, as was normal not long ago, by someone of a famous status, can you honestly say you would not think of a way to get back at that person other than to hit that person in the pocketbook after being harrassed? And yes, money makes the best apology to many people lol. And I believe that psychological abuse can be used in court for a lawsuit...we are not doing anyone a service by judging whether or not the men are really psychologically disturbed, since they are the victims. I believe we should just let God judge the victims motives.

Did he have a rope in his hand? Did he have a fork? Did he climb up to the balcony? Show all the pictures you want, it was a name. Nothing more. Was he wrong? Yes, but sued? NO!
You refuse to comprehend the point that he not only used the word but called for them to be hanged and lynched. So what if he didn't have a fork in his hand? If he went and got a rope and didn't do anything, I doubt you would care anyway...you would still be defending him by saying it was just a word... and a prop. But guess what, nothing you think about whether or not the lawsuit should or should not happen matters. None of this matters. Because it probably will. And I hope they do get money from him. Maybe all of this was in their destiny. I dont know what will happen to them tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow, and maybe God wants to bless them from out of his hate.

Oh my Lord. Get OVER it. It's not like he actually plucked them out of the audience, started beating them and made them pick cotton. It's a word for crying out loud. They have the right to be offended but this is rediculous.


:yeahthat

What a joke. If you go to a comedy club, you're bound to hear something offensive, even without heckling the comic. And if you do heckle the comic, you can bet your sweet ass he's going to say something back to you. Not that what he said is right, but I'm pretty sure the N word is used common enough that virtually anybody on the planet could sue someone for saying. Richards was an idiot for saying what he did, but these guys' lawsuits are even more idiotic.

You refuse to comprehend the point that he not only used the word but called for them to be hanged and lynched. So what if he didn't have a fork in his hand? If he went and got a rope and didn't do anything, I doubt you would care anyway...you would still be defending him by saying it was just a word... and a prop. But guess what, nothing you think about whether or not the lawsuit should or should not happen matters. None of this matters. Because it probably will. And I hope they do get money from him. Maybe all of this was in their destiny. I dont know what will happen to them tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow, and maybe God wants to bless them from out of his hate.

Maybe they will get money from this. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure they will get something. Sorry, but that still is a crock. Hateful words, yes. Damaging words, no. If it was a guy who said that to them on the street, I am sure that guy would be spitting out teeth, not looking for a good defense attorney.

There could have been imminent danger, if that was the kind of audience. Luckily it was not, even though while Michael was going on calling the men ******s and talking about lynching, you can hear some people laughing at it...but the way he was talking, he acted as if he was trying to incite the audience to do something by telling the to look at the "******" and then go on about how they should be lynched. Maybe they are thinking about money now, but think about it. If you were black and just told that you should be stuck with a knife up your ass, as was normal not long ago, by someone of a famous status, can you honestly say you would not think of a way to get back at that person other than to hit that person in the pocketbook after being harrassed? And yes, money makes the best apology to many people lol. And I believe that psychological abuse can be used in court for a lawsuit...we are not doing anyone a service by judging whether or not the men are really psychologically disturbed, since they are the victims. I believe we should just let God judge the victims motives.

You keep using the word "harassment"...there was nothing legally wrong with what he did. Morally and ethically wrong, YES. But there is nothing legally wrong with what he said. Had he incited a riot or caused a physical attack to occur, then that is something different. But in the courts, you can call anyone anything and that is not against the law. When you DEFAME someone publicly that it causes harm to their person and livelyhood, then that is different and you MAY HAVE A CASE. If everyone who was "harassed" went to court, the courts would be full beyond capacity. As for psychological abuse, that is a CIVIL MATTER, and still, it would be have to be proven that these men could no longer work, became incapacitated, they were being harmed in some way shape or form...believe me, the courts won't give monetary damages for "harassment".

Well, it is what it is. They're going forward with it and now we'll see what happens soon probably. But I think their suing for money is damn smart. Not to say that this speaks for everyone, but I was talking to a person who is black about this (before talk of a suit) and she said that she can't imagine being the person who he was talking about and would probably need to seek professional help because of the psychological trauma his words would have done to her. I don't know if that's what has happened to these men. I can't imagine how I would feel if he found out I was part black and started calling me a dirty mustifee and calling for my hanging. Emotional distress, harrassment or just mean words. Call it what you will. Whatever happens, I think we should be be hoping the men that were the victims of his hateful rant will be blessed somehow out of it.

How do you know they aren't scarred? Are you a mind-reader? You know the motives and feelings of the victims now? Telling someone who isn't funny that they aren't funny is on a little bit of a smaller scale, as using racial slurs and saying he wishes to see them hanging from trees like whites use to do to blacks years ago. The fact that you even attempted to equate them is really sad. And honestly, the ignorance of some people is sad, but not surprising. If you're not black or part black or have much history of being around people of mostly black descent, I doubt the N word has the same offensive meaning as the black people it's been used on, themself. People saying "it's just a word, get over it" obviously do not know how deeply painful it is to the people it's been used against. Only about 40 years ago were black people even allowed to vote in much of the country, because they weren't considered citizens. Public discrimination/racism is over pretty much, but don't think the long-lasting effects of it are gone...
I'm a black guy, and I understand completely that they were offended and so was I when I heard it. I lost all my respect for Michael Richards when I saw that clip of him shouting those racially insensitive comments. He could have told them off in almost any other way possible, and kept his dignity and respect, other than being hurtful by using racial/ethnical/cultural slurs. And I do agree that "it's just a word" is just wrong to say. They shouldnt have to get over it so easily, if it's emotionally scarring, which slurs like that can be and ARE, no matter what year it is. I also think that that word should never be uttered by anyone for any reason. In fact, if I could, I'd take the word literally and just throw it in a trash can so it'll never be seen or heard from human life ever again. There's no excuse for anyone, black or white, to use that kind of language. But is a lawsuit really necessary? And judging from part of that interview, it looks as though they care more about the almighty dollar than having hurt feelings.

And of course, Gloria Allred will add NOTHING but her heartfelt expertise in it all. :rolleyes:

Oh my Lord. Get OVER it. It's not like he actually plucked them out of the audience, started beating them and made them pick cotton. It's a word for crying out loud. They have the right to be offended but this is rediculous.
i agree 100%.

Well, it is what it is. They're going forward with it and now we'll see what happens soon probably. But I think their suing for money is damn smart. Not to say that this speaks for everyone, but I was talking to a person who is black about this (before talk of a suit) and she said that she can't imagine being the person who he was talking about and would probably need to seek professional help because of the psychological trauma his words would have done to her. I don't know if that's what has happened to these men. I can't imagine how I would feel if he found out I was part black and started calling me a dirty mustifee and calling for my hanging. Emotional distress, harrassment or just mean words. Call it what you will. Whatever happens, I think we should be be hoping the men that were the victims of his hateful rant will be blessed somehow out of it.
Bottom line, let me say, ANYONE IN AMERICA CAN FILE A LAWSUIT, for anything, whether it's legit or not...Whether THEY WIN IS ANOTHER STORY. I get people all the time asking me, "Can I sue?" My response is always the same, "Sure you can sue...whether it gets thrown out or not is a different story."

And of course, Gloria Allred will add NOTHING but her heartfelt expertise in it all. :rolleyes:

That's what drives me up the wall. That lady is a shark. She is a very "High Profile" type of lawyer. The type that never met a microphone or a camera she didn't like. I find that very suspicious.

I haven't read or heard anything abt Gloria Allred, when did this occur???

Gloria Allred's one of the biggest ambulance chasers going.

Gloria Allred's one of the biggest ambulance chasers going.
I remember her from the 70's when she would sit at a round table with other local Los Angeles city officials and discuss certain topics on our local channel. She had this horrendous haircut that was like a buzzcut, just like a man's haircut!:eek:

However, I didn't know she was in on this Richard's matter. What is she saying? Last I heard from her, was when she was on Larry King last week denouncing the OJ book and special.

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20061124/D8LJNIB00.html

Men Seek Apology From Ex-'Seinfeld' Star

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Two men who say they were insulted by actor-comedian Michael Richards during his racist rant at a comedy club want a personal apology and maybe some money, their lawyer said Friday.

The men, Frank McBride and Kyle Doss, said they were part of a group of about 20 people who had gathered at West Hollywood's Laugh Factory to celebrate a friend's birthday. According to their attorney, Gloria Allred, they were ordering drinks when Richards berated them for interrupting his act.

When one of their group replied that he wasn't funny, Richards launched into a string of obscenities and repeatedly used the n-word. A video cell phone captured the outburst.

Richards, who played Jerry Seinfeld's wacky neighbor Kramer on the TV sitcom "Seinfeld," made a nationally televised apology on David Letterman's "Late Night" show earlier this week. He has since apologized to civil rights leaders the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

But Allred complained Friday that he "has not apologized to his victims directly, face to face, man to man."

Richards' publicist said his client wants to apologize to both men, who are black, but hasn't been able to locate them.

Allred, speaking by phone from Colorado, said Richards should meet McBride and Doss in front of a retired judge to "acknowledge his behavior and to apologize to them" and allow the judge to decide on monetary compensation.

"It's not enough to say 'I'm sorry,'" she said.

She did not mention a specific figure, but pitched the idea as a way for the comic to avoid a lawsuit.

"Our clients were vulnerable," Allred said. "He went after them. He singled them out and he taunted them, and he did it in a closed room where they were captive."

The video of Richards' outburst shows several people getting up and walking out as he shouts at the audience. Richards' publicist said the comic wasn't considering any demand for payment. "He's not dealing with that," Howard Rubenstein said. "He wants to apologize to them directly and then see what happens."

But Allred complained Friday that he "has not apologized to his victims directly, face to face, man to man."

Richards' publicist said his client wants to apologize to both men, who are black, but hasn't been able to locate them.

Allred, speaking by phone from Colorado, said Richards should meet McBride and Doss in front of a retired judge to "acknowledge his behavior and to apologize to them" and allow the judge to decide on monetary compensation.

"It's not enough to say 'I'm sorry,'" she said.

She did not mention a specific figure, but pitched the idea as a way for the comic to avoid a lawsuit.

"Our clients were vulnerable," Allred said. "He went after them. He singled them out and he taunted them, and he did it in a closed room where they were captive."


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Held Captive? Were the doors locked? They were not free to leave?
It's not enough to say you're sorry, you have to pay us. What is that going to settle? Will that just suddenly make their "extreme trauma" go away?

"Our clients were vulnerable," Allred said. "He went after them. He singled them out and he taunted them, and he did it in a closed room where they were captive."



Shenanigans. They chose to be there, they chose to tell the comic they were there SEEING he wasn't funny, and they could have left at any time. At NO point were they "captive".

Was what Mr. Richards did bad? By every stretch of the imagination. But this nonsense isn't exactly a good thing.

this lawsuit is completely stupid and it makes me sense

so michael richards used racially insulting language--- but the people who somehow put that on the same level as lynching people are ridiculous

this nation is so ridiculous sue-happy that its shameful

get over it people---- we have ALL been called names before--- i have been called racial names many times, my wife has, my kids have, my neighbors---- people get mad and insult, people make racial jokes that might not be funny

it might be in bad taste, or might be wrong, but its certainly not illegal or harmful and the lawsuits are just plain asinine!

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20061124/D8LJNIB00.html

Men Seek Apology From Ex-'Seinfeld' Star

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Two men who say they were insulted by actor-comedian Michael Richards during his racist rant at a comedy club want a personal apology and maybe some money, their lawyer said Friday.

The men, Frank McBride and Kyle Doss, said they were part of a group of about 20 people who had gathered at West Hollywood's Laugh Factory to celebrate a friend's birthday. According to their attorney, Gloria Allred, they were ordering drinks when Richards berated them for interrupting his act.

When one of their group replied that he wasn't funny, Richards launched into a string of obscenities and repeatedly used the n-word. A video cell phone captured the outburst.

Richards, who played Jerry Seinfeld's wacky neighbor Kramer on the TV sitcom "Seinfeld," made a nationally televised apology on David Letterman's "Late Night" show earlier this week. He has since apologized to civil rights leaders the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

But Allred complained Friday that he "has not apologized to his victims directly, face to face, man to man."

Richards' publicist said his client wants to apologize to both men, who are black, but hasn't been able to locate them.

Allred, speaking by phone from Colorado, said Richards should meet McBride and Doss in front of a retired judge to "acknowledge his behavior and to apologize to them" and allow the judge to decide on monetary compensation.

"It's not enough to say 'I'm sorry,'" she said.

She did not mention a specific figure, but pitched the idea as a way for the comic to avoid a lawsuit.

"Our clients were vulnerable," Allred said. "He went after them. He singled them out and he taunted them, and he did it in a closed room where they were captive."

The video of Richards' outburst shows several people getting up and walking out as he shouts at the audience. Richards' publicist said the comic wasn't considering any demand for payment. "He's not dealing with that," Howard Rubenstein said. "He wants to apologize to them directly and then see what happens."




Thanx for the article Janice.

Richards can't find these men to apologize face to face??? Are they that well hidden? Maybe he could find Osama before he finds these guys.:rolleyes:

i DO think he should have apologized to them personally
but it really is not that big of a deal

i mean these are just words here

and if the person who called them N***ERS was not a MILLIONAIRE they would have forgotten it and moved on

i DO think he should have apologized to them personally
but it really is not that big of a deal

i mean these are just words here

and if the person who called them N***ERS was not a MILLIONAIRE they would have forgotten it and moved on
I think they would have kicked some a$$!!!!!!

well that could be a concern too

some people do get WORKED UP over words and take things to the next level

but this is just so silly

have we as a nation really become this stupid?

well that could be a concern too

some people do get WORKED UP over words and take things to the next level

but this is just so silly

have we as a nation really become this stupid?

Unfortantely, I think we have become a nation that is stupid and law suit happy.

Thanx for the article Janice.

Richards can't find these men to apologize face to face??? Are they that well hidden? Maybe he could find Osama before he finds these guys.:rolleyes:

Did you read the article? They want a monetary apology... :rolleyes:

Did you read the article? They want a monetary apology... :rolleyes:
Yeah, I never heard of those two words together in a sentence like that! :crazy:

I would rather see Richards make the rounds across the country and teach kids how stupid one can be and how damaging it is for one big mouth to say such stupid stuff and how once you say it, you can't take it back. If he affected the whole black community, then why should two guys get monetary gain for his behavior????

why does Richards need to do ANYTHING ELSE????? All he did was call them an ugly name--- and he has since gone on national tv several times and apologized---- why does he need to do ANYTHING ELSE AT ALL????? Why should he go around the nation and teach kids and blah blah blah... just because he said the N word??? This is not a big deal and just plain silly---- millions of people use the N word every single day---- and 99.99% of them are NOT racist--- they just use it in anger or jokes or use the word without thinking about it, and i think that he doenst owe them any more than the apology he has allready offered--- if they cannot let it go, its THEIR problem, NOT his!

why does Richards need to do ANYTHING ELSE????? All he did was call them an ugly name--- and he has since gone on national tv several times and apologized---- why does he need to do ANYTHING ELSE AT ALL????? Why should he go around the nation and teach kids and blah blah blah... just because he said the N word??? This is not a big deal and just plain silly---- millions of people use the N word every single day---- and 99.99% of them are NOT racist--- they just use it in anger or jokes or use the word without thinking about it, and i think that he doenst owe them any more than the apology he has allready offered--- if they cannot let it go, its THEIR problem, NOT his!
It's more than him saying the "N" word. He said more than that. Again, I am being sarcastic here with my saying he needs to go around the country talking to kids. Notice I stated how I posted he said something stupid and he "can't take that back" statement? That means, the damage is done, words cannot be taken back. I don't agree with these guys and their frivolous lawsuit. Lamont, chill and relax. It's done, yet, these two guys will milk it for all it's worth.

i just think its crazy

we have all heard ugly racial comments and we get over it

its not the end of the world and i actually feel bad for richards

he didnt mean it to go that far and im sure he is sorry but the media wants to keep it going because they have nothing else "hot" to dwell on

Michael Richard's isn't a comedian he's an ACTOR! Even other comedian's have said the same thing, he's not a comedian.

If he was a comedian, he'd know to expect heckling, it comes with the territory

i just think its crazy

we have all heard ugly racial comments and we get over it

its not the end of the world and i actually feel bad for richards

he didnt mean it to go that far and im sure he is sorry but the media wants to keep it going because they have nothing else "hot" to dwell on
The lawsuit is ridiculous but I don't feel sorry for him. He's been around the business long enough to know this was going to happen.

i just think its crazy

we have all heard ugly racial comments and we get over it

its not the end of the world and i actually feel bad for richards

he didnt mean it to go that far and im sure he is sorry but the media wants to keep it going because they have nothing else "hot" to dwell on
I don't feel sorry for someone who put their foot in their mouth AND THEIR OWN A$$!!!!

why does Richards need to do ANYTHING ELSE????? All he did was call them an ugly name--- and he has since gone on national tv several times and apologized---- why does he need to do ANYTHING ELSE AT ALL????? Why should he go around the nation and teach kids and blah blah blah... just because he said the N word??? This is not a big deal and just plain silly---- millions of people use the N word every single day---- and 99.99% of them are NOT racist--- they just use it in anger or jokes or use the word without thinking about it, and i think that he doenst owe them any more than the apology he has allready offered--- if they cannot let it go, its THEIR problem, NOT his!
Are you serious? Maybe you and the people you are around use the N word all the time...obviously if a non-black person is using the N word every single day out of jokes or anger without thinking about it, they have issues...which your endless defense of what he said, seems to indicate about you...

Are you serious? Maybe you and the people you are around use the N word all the time...obviously if a non-black person is using the N word every single day out of jokes or anger without thinking about it, they have issues...which your endless defense of what he said, seems to indicate about you...
I agree. "N" is not "just a word"...it is DISGUSTING. I don't get you Lamont and why you keep defending Richards. Imagine if the people in the crowd had done something to those two men simply by the references Richards made?

Irene--- i am not defending him at all, i just think the story is wayyyyy blown out of proportion

20 years ago i recall a huge outcry against Andrew Dice Clay and the racist tones of his shows, and YES he insulted hecklers too--- very meanly and very racially, i was at a show myself where Dice called hecklers the N word about 10 times and made some nasty racial jokes--- i didnt think it was funny, but noone made world war 3 over it

as a minority myself, i know how painful racial insults can be--- but no matter how ugly the words are---- they are just words! they have no power over me and i dont care if someone calls me the N word 100 times it is not gonna harm me or cause me any damages-----

Richards was clearly wrong--- but i do NOT think he is a racist--- and if u look at the facts, it is clear

1. he pulled the EXACT SAME STUNT a few weeks earlier and attacked Jewish Hecklers with racial/anti-semitic slurs--- and he himself IS A JEW, so when he does it again againt blacks, it is OBVIOUS that its just a STUPID GIMMICK that went too far and blew up in his face

2. the guy apologized--- what else can we ask him to do? it doesnt make it right and it doesnt erase what was done, but he apologized and his career will surely suffer for it, so there is nothing else he can really do

3. Mel Gibson went off on a tirade against the Jews, and gibson CLEARLY has racial feelings and a very publicly outspoken anti-semitic father who preaches against jews, and yet Mel is no longer an issue

i am not defending richards at all, he was 100% wrong in what he said and did, and i know how painful racial slurs can hurt--- but lawsuits aint the answer and there is nothing else he can do to make it right

the true test will be what he does next----- does he move past it and not do it again, in which case we will know he means the apology, or does he do something stupid next month in which case we can see how insincere it was

the ball is in his court and i just think that the reaction from the public has allready let him know that NOONE thinks it was funny, and now we are going WAY PAST THAT and taking it to even STUPIDER EXTREMES with lawsuits and other stars like Jamie Foxx threatening him with physical violence......

he was wrong, but now EVERYONE is wrong too and what does that do to help?

Richards was clearly wrong--- but i do NOT think he is a racist--- and if u look at the facts, it is clear

1. he pulled the EXACT SAME STUNT a few weeks earlier and attacked Jewish Hecklers with racial/anti-semitic slurs--- and he himself IS A JEW, so when he does it again againt blacks, it is OBVIOUS that its just a STUPID GIMMICK that went too far and blew up in his face

2. the guy apologized--- what else can we ask him to do? it doesnt make it right and it doesnt erase what was done, but he apologized and his career will surely suffer for it, so there is nothing else he can really do

3. Mel Gibson went off on a tirade against the Jews, and gibson CLEARLY has racial feelings and a very publicly outspoken anti-semitic father who preaches against jews, and yet Mel is no longer an issue

If you're black and defending him, I find that even more sad. Of COURSE he apologized. His only option was to apologize, do you really expect him NOT to? That doesn't mean he wasn't a racist before OR now. It's called PR. And him making anti-semitic slurs when he himself is a Jew does not mean he did not mean what he said at the comedy club. Why didn't he say anything about it being part of his act in his apology? You need to do better.

why did he not mention the jewish thing ? because he is desperate now and he realizes his career is shot so he is saying WHATEVER HE THINKS WILL HELP even if its all B.S.--- just like Mel Gibson "needed help" when he went on his tirade against the jews and just like Mark Foley "needed help" when he got caught being a pervert now richards "needs help" too when he got in trouble for stupid racial rants---- its all BS and these famous people all want to play the victim when they get caught---- they all figure if the "need help" then its not their faults and we have to let it go---- i FULLY EXPECT richards to come out in a week or 2 and say he has a PILL PROBLEM and is seeking counselling and im sure it will all be BS too

PS im NOT defending the guy, i think he was wrong too
i just think he was wrong to a lesser extent

and YES i think he should come clean and not BS us, i think his apology was insincere and written by P.R. people and id rather have him admit the truth EVEN IF I HATE THE TRUTH instead of playing the I NEED HELP card! If he is a racist--- id rather have him say YES I SAID IT AND I AM A RACIST then to play the game he is playing now, if he is NOT a racist he should explain the truth of it and if he is a racist he should admit it and at least be man enough to say it straight out

but this mess of an apology he said was about as sincere as Jimmy Swaggarts I HAVE SINNED speech or bill clintons I DID NOT... speech


i wont go on about it because some people are misinterpreting what i am saying
i am NOT defending him at all, i think he is 100% wrong, no ifs ands or buts! i just think the reaction to what he did is wrong too and the lawsuits and threats only make ALL SIDES look bad

If you're black and defending him, I find that even more sad. Of COURSE he apologized. His only option was to apologize, do you really expect him NOT to? That doesn't mean he wasn't a racist before OR now. It's called PR. And him making anti-semitic slurs when he himself is a Jew does not mean he did not mean what he said at the comedy club. Why didn't he say anything about it being part of his act in his apology? You need to do better.
I agree.

That apology was sincere? I believe he did it to save his career, his ass and his own skin. It's like when someone has committed a crime and they want a plea bargain, they would say anything to stay out of jail or get a reduced sentenced. Of course he apologized, he WAS CAUGHT ON CAMERA.

As for Mel Gibson, he was drunk. I don't condone that behavior. But people under the influence of alcohol will say and do a lot of things they would not normally do sober. As i stated elsewhere, I can forgive Mel simply because he was drunk. The bigger issue there was the fact that Mel could have killed someone. Thank God he didn't. Richards WAS STONE COLD SOBER.

I agree. "N" is not "just a word"...it is DISGUSTING. I don't get you Lamont and why you keep defending Richards. Imagine if the people in the crowd had done something to those two men simply by the references Richards made?


I absolutely hate the "N" word, I think it's disgusting as well, and one of the worst things you can refer to anyone as. It's also a disgusting word cause it makes me think of slaves being called that at one time.

I think the word is nasty and ignorant

a lot in the black community argue that if black people use it
the references are different---- i disagree

its nasty no matter WHO says it

so can I sue all the black comedians who says racist stuff towards us white folk? :D

for real, what he said was wrong, but anything involving Al SHarpton or Jesse Jackson I despise.

so can I sue all the black comedians who says racist stuff towards us white folk? :D

for real, what he said was wrong, but anything involving Al SHarpton or Jesse Jackson I despise.

I agree: what Richards said is indefensible and inexcusable--but forgivable. I don't use the "N" word and taught my son never to use it, because it is demeaning and hurtful toward African-Americans. Our society should have no place for this kind of talk, period, but the thing is--it works both ways, folks. That means no blacks (even on sitcoms), using the "H" word for eastern Europeans or whites in general. That means no one calling Italians the "W" word, the "G" word, the "M" word, calling Irish the "M" word, the Polish the "P" word, Puerto Ricans the "S" word, Germans the "K" word, Mexicans the "WB" word and so on--which in all our "self-righteousness", of course none of us has never used, because we are all so innocent :rolleyes:. Did Jesse Jackson ever apologize for his "hymietown" comment that he made in the 1980's about Jews in New York?

Again, let me emphasize, Richards blew it; he was wrong. But no one, of whatever race or ethnic background, should be the recipient of words that hurt. Let's erase this kind of thing from society, regardless of where it originates.

HOLLYWOOD - Bosses at the Los Angeles comedy club where former Seinfeld star Michael Richards shocked fans with a racist rant have demanded the comedian pay $1 million to charity for every one of the 'N' words he used on stage.
Richards has been banned from The Laugh Factory for repeatedly calling two African-American hecklers "n**gers" during a foul-mouthed rant onstage there earlier this month.

The comedy club bosses now want him to pay for his ill-advised remarks.

The comedian has publicly apologized for his comments and appeared on African-American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson's radio show “Keep Hope Alive” on Sunday in an effort to make amends.

But, according to TV news show The Insider, The Laugh Factory owners, who have now banned the 'N' word from the venue, want Richards to pay $6 million to charity for the six derogatory words he used on their stage.

Richards, who claims to be seeing a psychiatrist in an effort to control his rage problems, is hoping to meet with the two African-Americans he racially abused from The Laugh Factory stage.

obviously if a non-black person is using the N word every single day out of jokes or anger without thinking about it, they have issues...
what about black people? do they have issues if they use the "N" word every day?

HOLLYWOOD - Bosses at the Los Angeles comedy club where former Seinfeld star Michael Richards shocked fans with a racist rant have demanded the comedian pay $1 million to charity for every one of the 'N' words he used on stage.
Richards has been banned from The Laugh Factory for repeatedly calling two African-American hecklers "n**gers" during a foul-mouthed rant onstage there earlier this month.

The comedy club bosses now want him to pay for his ill-advised remarks.

The comedian has publicly apologized for his comments and appeared on African-American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson's radio show “Keep Hope Alive” on Sunday in an effort to make amends.

But, according to TV news show The Insider, The Laugh Factory owners, who have now banned the 'N' word from the venue, want Richards to pay $6 million to charity for the six derogatory words he used on their stage.

Richards, who claims to be seeing a psychiatrist in an effort to control his rage problems, is hoping to meet with the two African-Americans he racially abused from The Laugh Factory stage.
i think that's great, however, why now? Why suddenly because a white guy went into a tarrant are they making the "N" word cost. What about all the comedians before him who I am SURE used that word, black or white.

I have friends of many races and we bust on each other with Racist comments.
it's what we do... But We're friends. We've known each other for many, many years. And we do it in a joking manner.

Michael Richards was a stranger to those guys and he did it out of Animosity.
He wasn't telling jokes. He even admitted that he said what he said out of Anger.

He should get sued for Slander or Libel... Whichever is for spoken word.

Freedom of the press still requires that you speak the truth.
If you print lies or derogatory remarks, You can get sued for Libel or Slander...Whichever of for the Written word.

He said what he said.
He was pissed when he said it.
He meant what he said.
He should get sued.

People can say the lawsuit would be ridiculous or frivilous, but So what?
He gave those guys this opportunity.
All he had to do was watch his mouth and be respectful.

Comedians have been busting on other races forever, but they are still respectful.

well he didnt slander them
he just insulted them
there is a difference

SLANDER would be like if he said THESE 2 BLACK MEN ARE DRUG DEALERS AND RAPISTS-- KEEP AN EYE ON THEM! that would be slander

what he said was nasty and rude but not slanderous, by legal definition

If everyone who said something wrong was sued there wouldn't be time (or money) for cases that matter.

Since there is probbably no way out I hope he justs settles in court and doesn't drag this out.

I have friends of many races and we bust on each other with Racist comments.
it's what we do... But We're friends. We've known each other for many, many years. And we do it in a joking manner.

Michael Richards was a stranger to those guys and he did it out of Animosity.
He wasn't telling jokes. He even admitted that he said what he said out of Anger.

He should get sued for Slander or Libel... Whichever is for spoken word.

Freedom of the press still requires that you speak the truth.
If you print lies or derogatory remarks, You can get sued for Libel or Slander...Whichever of for the Written word.

He said what he said.
He was pissed when he said it.
He meant what he said.
He should get sued.

People can say the lawsuit would be ridiculous or frivilous, but So what?
He gave those guys this opportunity.
All he had to do was watch his mouth and be respectful.

Comedians have been busting on other races forever, but they are still respectful.
He can't be sued for libel (written words) or slander (verbal)...there are several factors that must have occurred for one to be sued for those things. Obviously it isn't libel since he didn't write anything.

Freedom of the Press doesn't even belong in this issue.

He can't be sued for libel (written words) or slander (verbal)...there are several factors that must have occurred for one to be sued for those things. Obviously it isn't libel since he didn't write anything.

Freedom of the Press doesn't even belong in this issue.

Well, Ya got me there.
I actually meant Freedom of Speech because someone brought it up in an earlier post.

But as far as your response to Slander/ Libel
http://injury-law.freeadvice.com/libel_and_slander/defamatory_statements.htm


Can I sue someone who says or writes something defamatory about me?


In order to prove defamation, you have to be able to prove that what was said or written about you was false. If the information is true, or if you consented to publication of the material, you will not have a case. However, you may bring an defamatory action if the comments are so reprehensible and false that they effect your reputation in the community or cast aspersions on you.


Now I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV, but Being called the N Word and Told that I would be hung with a fork up my butt is reprehensible and false.

Once their names got released and everyone knows who Richards was talking about... I would have to figure that this would have an effect on their reputation in the community or cast aspersions on them.

Well, Ya got me there.
I actually meant Freedom of Speech because someone brought it up in an earlier post.

But as far as your response to Slander/ Libel
http://injury-law.freeadvice.com/libel_and_slander/defamatory_statements.htm


Can I sue someone who says or writes something defamatory about me?


In order to prove defamation, you have to be able to prove that what was said or written about you was false. If the information is true, or if you consented to publication of the material, you will not have a case. However, you may bring an defamatory action if the comments are so reprehensible and false that they effect your reputation in the community or cast aspersions on you.


Now I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV, but Being called the N Word and Told that I would be hung with a fork up my butt is reprehensible and false.

Once their names got released and everyone knows who Richards was talking about... I would have to figure that this would have an effect on their reputation in the community or cast aspersions on them.
Slander is more than a false statement. Let me give you an example so that you can understand better.

I go on television and/or radio and state publicly that you are a drug user and have a AIDS. You may or may not have acquired AIDS through drug use, since I say that you are also gay. Now, all of that is not true, however, how do my words affect you in the community? Does your boss fire you? Do your friends shun you? Do you become so emotionally unstable that you now need psychiatric care? Are you losing business because of my statements? (assuming you run a business). Are your neighbors selling their home because they don't want to be neighbors with you anyore? Are your neighbors putting up signs on their lawn stating something abt your supposed lifestyle? Are you unable to live your life the way it was before I made those statements?

Those are the kind of questions that will be asked if one is slandered.

I highly doubt those two guys are being taunted in the community since what Richards said was so deplorable. If anything, those two guys have a lot of people backing them up simply being because they are two victims.

That's an extreme example.

Britney Spears sued a magazine and won when she said they incorrectly stated that her marriage was in trouble.

None of your questions applied to her in her case.
Obviously there are exceptions to every rule.
Not every case of Slander has to meet your strict criteria.
In the real world, Maybe... But this is Celebrityville and it's been on TV and all over the internet.

That's an extreme example.

Britney Spears sued a magazine and won when she said they incorrectly stated that her marriage was in trouble.

None of your questions applied to her in her case.
Obviously there are exceptions to every rule.
Not every case of Slander has to meet your strict criteria.
In the real world, Maybe... But this is Celebrityville and it's been on TV and all over the internet.
That is LIBLE. We are talking abt Slander. Two different things.

Also, my recollection is that Britney sued over an alleged sex tape and that LIBLE case was dismissed. She had no basis for that lawsuit.

I'm assuming that you're talking to me, But My name's not Brian.
I don't recall a sex tape lawsuit, Only the one with the magazine.
Slander and Libel are the same except one is written and the other is Spoken

I'm not trying to sound like an ass, but If you insist on putting words in CAPS to make your point, Please spell them right.

Using the correct letters but in the wrong order is just WROGN (See what I did there?)

And the word is "ABOUT", Not abt.

I'm assuming that you're talking to me, But My name's not Brian.
I don't recall a sex tape lawsuit, Only the one with the magazine.
Slander and Libel are the same except one is written and the other is Spoken

I'm not trying to sound like an ass, but If you insist on putting words in CAPS to make your point, Please spell them right.

Using the correct letters but in the wrong order is just WROGN (See what I did there?)

And the word is "ABOUT", Not abt.
Sorry abt the name my mistake. It is also against the rules to correct members' grammar and spelling. Remember that. The sex tape lawsuit can be found on the net. Check it out. There are many links. And also, I type ABT because that is my legalese shorthand way of typing it. No one else has had a problem with it, so why should you? Don't tell me how to type. Thank you.

Here is rule #5 for you to read:

In addition, please Do NOT correct other users spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar. This isn't English class - as long as the point's in the message, mistakes here and there are ok. We do ask that, if possible, you refrain from typing in all-capital letters - many consider this a form of shouting, which is considered a rude behavior. Moderators have the right to edit posts containing all-capital letters at their discretion.



Give me the case number or case name where Britney Spears won this supposed lawsuit.

i t w a s a n e w s p a p e r , n o t a m a g a z i n e , o k m y b a d , i t s e e m s t h a t i w a s m i s t a k e n . t h e a r t i c l e n e v e r s t a t e d w h e t h e r s h e w o n o r l o s t t h e s u i t . t h e p a p e r w a s s e e k i n i n g t o c o u n t e r s u e h e r . t h e p a p e r ' s n a m e i s t h e s u n d a y i n d e p e n d e n t , a n i r i s h p a p e r . b u t w h a t e v e r y o u w o n b e c a u s e i ' m b o r e d w i t h t h i s n o w b u t r i c h a r d ' s d e s e r v e s t o b e s u e d . i w i s h i w a s t h e o n e h e s p o u t e d o f f t o . i t w o u l d b e l i k e w i n n i n g t h e l o t t e r y

Sue happy America...that is the problem with this country...it's all abt $$$$$ "he should be sued, blah blah blah..." Whatever. Life isn't fair.

i t w a s a n e w s p a p e r , n o t a m a g a z i n e , o k m y b a d , i t s e e m s t h a t i w a s m i s t a k e n . t h e a r t i c l e n e v e r s t a t e d w h e t h e r s h e w o n o r l o s t t h e s u i t . t h e p a p e r w a s s e e k i n i n g t o c o u n t e r s u e h e r . t h e p a p e r ' s n a m e i s t h e s u n d a y i n d e p e n d e n t , a n i r i s h p a p e r . b u t w h a t e v e r y o u w o n b e c a u s e i ' m b o r e d w i t h t h i s n o w b u t r i c h a r d ' s d e s e r v e s t o b e s u e d . i w i s h i w a s t h e o n e h e s p o u t e d o f f t o . i t w o u l d b e l i k e w i n n i n g t h e l o t t e r y


real mature, you really think people here will take the time to read that?

Just because people sue, doesn't mean they are going to win either. You can sue for pretty much anything. Winning is a different story.

This country needs more frivolous lawsuits. (!)
Kids are called hurtful names by other kids all the time, should they be allowed to sue to? Please. If this is this country's priority, we are all ****ED!

real mature, you really think people here will take the time to read that?

Just because people sue, doesn't mean they are going to win either. You can sue for pretty much anything. Winning is a different story.
I've said that before, ANYONE CAN SUE, whether you win is another story.

This Richards mess doesn't warrant a lawsuit. Like you said, it was name-calling, IGNORANT name-calling. I already went into what I think abt Richards.

it is truly sad that these men, instead of worrying about right and wrong
or instead of trying to take the moral high ground and try to turn this into a positive and focus on constructive ways to help solve the problem---

all they care about is making a quick buck!

its just as bad as what richards did

it is truly sad that these men, instead of worrying about right and wrong
or instead of trying to take the moral high ground and try to turn this into a positive and focus on constructive ways to help solve the problem---

all they care about is making a quick buck!

its just as bad as what richards did
Exactly. They are making it seem like making a buck is the answer to this. What does that say abt them now?

its just as bad as what richards did
no.

I now have mixed feelings about this. Celebrities sue for pretty much the same thing all the time. At the same time, their trying to make money is sort of cheapening the situation...it's not just about them, he pretty much insulted the whole african-american community. If Michael Richards should do anything, maybe he should donate to the UNCF or something...

no.

I now have mixed feelings about this. Celebrities sue for pretty much the same thing all the time. At the same time, their trying to make money is sort of cheapening the situation...it's not just about them, he pretty much insulted the whole african-american community. If Michael Richards should do anything, maybe he should donate to the UNCF or something...

An apology isn't good enough anymore??? What will giving money to some charity accomplish?? How many more times does he have to apology?? If you don't think he's sincere - fine. But is donating money to a charity somehow going to make his apology that much more believable??

platinumblonde, that last post of yours was quite difficult to read. Why did you post it that way?

platinumblonde, that last post of yours was quite difficult to read. Why did you post it that way?
Are you weird? There was nothing at all complicated about my comment. I said that I do not think they should sue because the whole situation is not just about them. If he should donate money anywhere, it should be to something like the UNCF or something like that if he truly wants to make ammends.

for once i actually agree with bobby f! this is crazy----- Richards lost it and said some ugly things for a few minutes--- it is NOT like he beat them up or robbed them or raped someone--- he just said some ugly things--- and he has apologized..... over and over and over... on tv, in print, to anyone who will listen! and on top of it his career is pretty much over now---

and STILL people expect him to do more.... people want $$$ from him, people want him to go into counseling, people want him to donate money to causes, people want him to speak to black audiences--- enough is enough. Is he supposed to BUY forgiveness?

the guy did no more than millions of americans do every day! if you ever live in a big city, u can find on any corner, someone using the N word or saying something ugly--- it isnt right, but its reality

and now people want to crucify the guy because he lost his cool-- its insane. If you think he is full of it, then let him know by not buying his dvds, but he doesnt have to become the new patron saint of racial harmony, just because he said some ugly things!

I agree with Platinumblonde for saying "Who are Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton"? I didn't know they represented the black community as their leaders. Why is it whenever something like this occurs, these two guys come into play or people go running to them?

I agree with Platinumblonde for saying "Who are Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton"? I didn't know they represented the black community as their leaders. Why is it whenever something like this occurs, these two guys come into play or people go running to them?

Because they think they represent the black community.

for once i actually agree with bobby f! this is crazy----- Richards lost it and said some ugly things for a few minutes--- it is NOT like he beat them up or robbed them or raped someone--- he just said some ugly things--- and he has apologized..... over and over and over... on tv, in print, to anyone who will listen! and on top of it his career is pretty much over now---

and STILL people expect him to do more.... people want $$$ from him, people want him to go into counseling, people want him to donate money to causes, people want him to speak to black audiences--- enough is enough. Is he supposed to BUY forgiveness?

the guy did no more than millions of americans do every day! if you ever live in a big city, u can find on any corner, someone using the N word or saying something ugly--- it isnt right, but its reality

and now people want to crucify the guy because he lost his cool-- its insane. If you think he is full of it, then let him know by not buying his dvds, but he doesnt have to become the new patron saint of racial harmony, just because he said some ugly things!
I agree with you 100%. It would be so easy for him to donate money to make the whole mess go away. Would that make people more accepting of him? I don't think so. I think it would make people feel that he is buying his way out of trouble.

How many times have other celebrities been in trouble and "donate" money? they are criticised to no end.....

for once i actually agree with bobby f! this is crazy----- Richards lost it and said some ugly things for a few minutes--- it is NOT like he beat them up or robbed them or raped someone--- he just said some ugly things--- and he has apologized..... over and over and over... on tv, in print, to anyone who will listen! and on top of it his career is pretty much over now---

and STILL people expect him to do more.... people want $$$ from him, people want him to go into counseling, people want him to donate money to causes, people want him to speak to black audiences--- enough is enough. Is he supposed to BUY forgiveness?

the guy did no more than millions of americans do every day! if you ever live in a big city, u can find on any corner, someone using the N word or saying something ugly--- it isnt right, but its reality

and now people want to crucify the guy because he lost his cool-- its insane. If you think he is full of it, then let him know by not buying his dvds, but he doesnt have to become the new patron saint of racial harmony, just because he said some ugly things!

Again, I have to say it: Richards totally messed up and I don't defend his actions one bit, but Lamont and Bobby F., I'm with both of you on this one, guys!

it reminds me of the 1980s and the ROCK AGAINST DRUGS program

u know, vince neil, or ozzy or whoever would get busted for drugs and then do an anti-drug commercial to buy us off, but they kept right on getting high!

I agree with Platinumblonde for saying "Who are Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton"? I didn't know they represented the black community as their leaders. Why is it whenever something like this occurs, these two guys come into play or people go running to them?
I really do not understand why anyone would go running to them because they are not African American "leaders." If Al Sharpton said to do something I doubt the entire race would follow suit. It's somewhat silly to believe that a few men represent an entire race. Who would a black person call to apologize to the white race lol? Rush Limbaugh lol?!

I really do not understand why anyone would go running to them because they are not African American "leaders." If Al Sharpton said to do something I doubt the entire race would follow suit. It's somewhat silly to believe that a few men represent an entire race. Who would a black person call to apologize to the white race lol? Rush Limbaugh lol?!
:brent

Are you weird?

Your tone towards me sounds quite rude, platinumblonde. There's no need to be rude to me. I haven't been rude to you.

In answer to your question, yes, I am weird. I think that it's a wonderful thing to be weird, and I think more people should aspire to being weird freaks.

Anyhow, I meant the post where you typed funny and put spaces between the letters. It was difficult to read it. I just wanted to know why you typed it in that manner, and didn't type it in the way you've done with your other posts.

it was "peanut butter" who wrote like that

You're right, MsOrange. I apologise, platinumblonde, for some reason, I was thinking it was you. I'm sorry.

I still stand by my belief, however, that it is great to be weird. Everyone try it!

this is absurd. People are called racist names everday in front of big groups as well but they don't go suing everyone. I have been called racist names myself but I don't go suing because I'm so humilated and can't go on with my life.