TMZ: Richards' Rant -- Not The First Time (alleged anti-Semitic rant @ L.A. Improv on April 22nd)

[Human Torch]

Richards' Rant -- Not The First Time

Posted Nov 22nd 2006 2:10PM by TMZ Staff



http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/22/richards-rant-not-the-first-time/

Did Michael Richards attack the Jews? Two Los Angeles residents have come forward and said that's exactly what happened last Spring at L.A. comedy club, The Improv.

Carol Oschin and J.P. Fillet say they were at The Improv on April 22 when Richards took the stage. They say that in the middle of Richards' skit, a man in the audience said something to the comedian, when Richards allegedly launched into an anti-Semitic rant. According to Oschin, Richards screamed at the audience member, "You f***ing Jew. You people are the cause of Jesus dying."


Oschin says the rant continued and Richards stormed off the stage. Oschin and Fillet say that, at first, they thought Richards' tirade was part of his act, but claim that it quickly became apparent it was not.

Richards' publicist, Howard Rubenstein, confirmed to TMZ that Richards did make derogatory comments about Jews, but says it was part of his act. Rubenstein says Richards told him, "I'm not anti-Semitic. I was playing a role and poking fun at the rednecks."

[rosesaylavee]

1. Unh?

Why is that funny?

[originalpckelly]

2. So who's he going to insult next?

What the fuck is wrong with this man? He needs to seek medical help.

[Divine Discontent]

3. desperate for attention...

that's an extremely caustic "joke" some people use about the Jewish people, and sadly, that some people believe the Jewish people should be blamed for! Good GRIEF, like Jesus Christ (since He's God) didn't have his martyrdom all planned out, how twisted of anyone to blame the Jews today for it, it's just BATSHITCRAZY! And Richards thinks that's funny?


www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<-- antibush prodem stickers/shirts

[bliss_eternal]

5. Apparently he's an equal opportunity offender.

But too many here seem to think he should not be labeled a racist. Yeah. right. :eyes:

[aquart]

6. All those years on Seinfeld...........and it never came out?

Not a whiff, not a mention, not a cold shoulder on the set?

Funny, wouldn't you say?

When someone's behavior changes like that, get medical clearance first. Will someone please look inside that man's brain? All it takes is a mini-stroke in the right place to turn a civil rights proponent into a raving bigot. The last year of my father's life, he said terrible, ugly things about people. It was contrary to everything about his life and certainly contrary to everything he ever taught me.

[bliss_eternal]

7. So now you are an expert?

What the....?

You are looking for excuses to advocate for this guy. That's fine and totally on you, if you are ok aligning yourself with an obvious bigot. Free world.

Your arguments about what he did or didn't do on the set for years just don't go far with me. As if any of us would KNOW what he did or didn't do on the set. You seem to be "reaching" quite high just to maintain the way you need to think of this guy.

That's certainly your choice. Just don't expect all of us to stay in the dark with you. I for one, see him for what he is, and will not see him as anything but that.

Good day.

[aquart]

9. Yes, of course.

You will not see him as anything but one thing. How...broadminded...wait, that's not the word, is it?

Yeah, my experience makes me ask if a medical cause has been ruled out. How very wrong of me.

I didn't jump to the immediate conclusion that a man who wasn't known (to us) for bigoted remarks, has suddenly been blurting them out because he just felt like it. I asked for more information.

Good to know that you don't need any. And that you feel proud of yourself because of it.

[Sequoia]

4. The Romans were in charge so they killed Jesus.

Why do Jews get blamed for everything in the past? Idiot. Go hang out with Mel.

[hsher]

8. If that's the case, let's see Jerry defend him now

I'm afraid I won't.