Comedian Natasha Leggero doesn’t want to bore us with any faux apologies, the kind comics make for damage control purposes after uttering an offensive gag.
After all, Leggero isn’t sorry for telling a joke that targeted Pearl Harbor veterans during this week’s New Year’s Eve telecast on NBC. The actress/comedian joked that World War II veterans have trouble chewing solid food, a riff on a recent kerfuffle regarding the SpaghettiOs brand and a tribute to soldiers who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
She took to her official Tumblr page to explain her non-apology:
I wish I could apologize, but do you really want another insincere apology that you know is just an attempt at damage control and not a real admission of guilt? Let me just try instead to be honest.
I’m not sorry. I don’t think the amazing courage of American veterans and specifically those who survived Pearl Harbor is in any way diminished by a comedian making a joke about dentures on television. Do we really believe that the people who fought and defended our freedom against Nazis and the Axis powers will find a joke about Spaghetti O’s too much to bear? Sorry, I have more respect for Veterans than to think their honor can be impugned by a glamorous, charming comedian in a fur hat.
Leggero tries to distract those were offended by her joke by listing problems facing veterans today, from a lack of medical care funding to worries over suicide rates among those returning from the battlefield. She also posts a link to the Disable American Veterans Foundation for people to donate to the cause.
She didn’t apologize, but she tried to assuage veterans who didn’t find her joke funny.
To our vets: I love you. I truly hope you know that.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.