Bernhard rapped over 'gang rape' gag
Controversy over Palin jibe
Sandra Bernhard has been dropped from a benefit show for a women’s shelter – after saying that Sarah Palin would be gang-raped ‘by my big black brothers’ if she visited New York.The 53-year-old comic courted controversy in an angry diatribe against the Republican vice-presidential hopeful’s opposition to abortion, including in cases of rape and incest.
But the comments have cost her the headlining slot at the Funny Women Serious Business fundraiser for Boston domestic violence shelter Rosie's Place,.
The charity’s publicist, Leemarie Mosca said the comments were offensive to many of the victims the shelter.
She said: ‘We were horrified so we decided that we wouldn’t have her at our event.
‘In light of our mission, we don't think violence against women is a laughing matter. Our main focus is… making sure the event is a success. And for us, that means not including Sandra Bernhard.’
In a statement on her website, Bernhard said the gang-rape comment was part of a larger piece about ‘racism, freedom, women's rights, and the extreme views of Governor Sarah Palin - a woman who doesn't believe that other women should have the right to choose’.
‘I certainly wish Governor Palin no harm - I'd just like her to explain to me how she can hold such outrageous views.’
Published: 2 Oct 2008
